Maski Ashokan Edict

The Maski Ashokan Edict is a Minor Rock Edict located on a hillock at Maski town in Raichur district, Karnataka. Discovered in 1915, it is historically notable as the first Ashokan inscription found that mentions Emperor Ashoka by name as 'Devanampiya Ashoka', confirming the identity of 'Devanampiya Piyadasi' in other edicts. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Brahmi inscription dates to the 3rd century BCE and attracts visitors interested in Mauryan history and epigraphy.

Visitors can expect an open-air archaeological site on a low rocky hillock on the outskirts of Maski town. The main attraction is a large boulder bearing the Brahmi inscription of Emperor Ashoka, now protected by a small shelter and fenced enclosure maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The surroundings are arid and rocky with sparse vegetation, offering views of the town and nearby gold mining area. There is an information board explaining the edict's significance. The site is simple and undeveloped, focused on viewing and reading about the inscription.

The Maski edict is a Minor Rock Edict of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (reigned c. 268-232 BCE). Discovered in 1915 by C. Beadon, a gold mining engineer, it is of exceptional historical importance because it was the first inscription to contain the name 'Ashoka' with the title 'Devanampiya Ashoka', thereby confirming that 'Devanampiya Piyadasi' mentioned in other edicts is Ashoka. Inscribed in Brahmi script in Prakrit language, it records Ashoka's association with Buddhism and his efforts to propagate Dhamma. It is dated to around 259 BCE and is protected as a Monument of National Importance.

The edict holds cultural and religious significance as an early epigraphic record of Buddhism and Mauryan Brahmi literacy. It reflects the spread of Ashoka's Dhamma principles and early Indian writing tradition. For visitors, it represents an important tangible link to ancient Indian history, epigraphy and Buddhist heritage in the Deccan region.