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The Indian Analyst
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South Indian Inscriptions |
EPIGRAPHIA INDICA (X) These (officers) are occupied with all the religious sects[1] for the establishment of Dharma and for the promotion of Dharma as well as for the welfare and happiness of those who are devoted to Dharma (even) among the Yavanas, Kāmbojas and Gandhāras, the Rāshṭrikas and Paitryaṇikas and other people dwelling about the western borders (of my dominions). (XI) They are occupied (not only) with the welfare and happiness of the servile class and the Aryas (i.e. the traders and agriculturists) as well as the Brāhmaṇas and the ruling class[2] and likewise of the destitute and the aged, (but also) with the release of the adherents of Dharma (amongst them) from fetters. (XII) They are (similarly) engaged with the fettered persons (in the prisons, for working in) the following order : for the distribution of money to those amongst them who are encumbered with progeny, for the unfettering of those who have (committed crimes) under the instigation (of others),[3] and for the release of those who are aged. (XIII) They are engaged everywhere─here[4] and elsewhere in all the towns, in the households of my brothers and sisters and other relatives. (XIV) These Dharma-Mahāmātras are engaged everywhere in my dominions amongst the adherents of Dharma (to determine) whether a person is (only) inclined towards Dharma or is (fully) established in Dharma or is given to charity.
(XV) This record relating to Dharma has been written (on stone) for the (following) purpose, (viz.) that (it) may last for a long time and that my descendants may conform to it. Rock Edict VII (at the upper right corner)
1 (I) Devānaṁpiye Piyadasi lajā savata ichhati
TRANSLATION
(I) King Priyadarśin, Beloved of the Gods, wishes that all religious sects should live
(harmoniously) everywhere (in all parts of his dominions).
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[1] The word pāsaṁḍa stands for Sanskrit pārshada.
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