There are a collection of 33 inscriptions or the Edicts of Ashoka. However very few are aware about the many epigraphs found in several places in South India. His inscriptions on rocks, called rock edicts are found in many areas in present-day Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh like Gavimath, near Koppal in the Raichur district, Maski in Raichur district, Brahmagiri, Jatinga-Rameshwara and Siddhapura in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka and Erragudi and Rajula-Mandagiri in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. These are written in the ancient Brahmi script and the Prakrit language. The inscriptions proclaim Ashoka's beliefs in the Buddhist concept of dharma ("righteousness") and his efforts to develop the dharma throughout his kingdom. Edits of Ashoka tend to focus on social and moral precepts rather than religious practices. While some texts of few of these inscriptions speak about respecting parents, elders, teachers and following the Dharma on the other inscriptions speak about being kind, humble and speaking the truth. It says by following these beatitudes one shall propound the attributes of Dharma. This is an ancient rule and the principle is venerable. It is certain that some areas of ancient Karnataka and perhaps Andhra Pradesh were part of Ashoka's far-flung empire, which extended to the south. In any case it is certain that he intended to spread the message of the Buddha in as many regions as possible |