Notes on Asoka Rescripts
Summary
The passage discusses the challenging interpretation of Asoka's Dhauli and Jaugada rescripts, focusing on the phrase "dudhale... atileke." Hultzsch's rendering, "How could my mind be pleased if one badly fulfils this duty," is critiqued for its lack of grammatical justification. The author proposes an alternative interpretation by considering the repetition of "sa" in the Jaugada inscription, suggesting the reading "dudhale etusa kammasu same." This aligns with the Pali phrase from the Theragathī, which uses "sama" (equal) and "etireka" (superior) to convey that the duty is unparalleled and superior. The author argues that "dudhale" functions as a complementary adjective meaning "difficult to find," while "man[-] atileke" is interpreted as "how can there be one better," emphasizing the duty's unmatched excellence. The analysis also explores possible meanings of "man[-]," though no definitive parallel is found. The passage concludes that Asoka underscores the difficulty of finding a superior governance principle, reinforcing his belief in the duty's superiority, as seen in other edicts.
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Conclusion
This analysis of Asoka's rescripts clarifies the grammatical and semantic challenges of interpreting *dudhale* and *man[-] atileke*, proposing that *dudhale* functions as a complementary adjective meaning "difficult to find" rather than a nominative absolute, while suggesting parallels between *sama* and *atireka* in Pali literature to resolve ambiguities. The study challenges prior interpretations by emphasizing contextual and orthographic consistency, particularly through the inclusion of a previously overlooked *sa* in the Jugada inscription. By re-examining grammatical structures and comparative terminology, the analysis advances a more coherent understanding of Asoka's assertion that his prescribed duties represent the most superior governance ideal, aligning with his broader edicts on ethical administration. The findings underscore the importance of rigorous textual scrutiny in decoding imperial edicts and their philosophical underpinnings.