7-737: A Mahamatra (meaning "Officer of high rank") was an "officer of morality" established by the Indian Maurya Emperor Ashoka (reigned 269-233 BCE). Their full title was Dhaṃma Mahāmātā , the "Inspectors of Dharma ". They were apparently a class of senior officials who were in charge various aspects of administration and justice. The Mahamatras are mentioned in several of the Edicts of Ashoka , inscribed on rocks or pillars. They seem to have been an essential part of his government. Some were called "Dharma-Mahamatras" ("Mahamatras of Virtue"), who seem to have been established in
14-506: The 14th year of Ashoka's reign (256 BCE). There were also Amta-mahamatras in charge of foreigners, and Stri-adhyaksha- mahamatras, in charge of women. "Devanampriya Priyadarsin speaks thus. Having in view this very (matter), I have set up pillars of morality, appointed Mahamatras of morality, (and) issued [proclamations] on morality." "In the past there were no Dhamma Mahamatras but such officers were appointed by me thirteen years after my coronation. Now they work among all religions for
21-720: The affairs of the Sangha ; likewise others were ordered by me to busy themselves also with the Brahmanas (and) Ajivikas ; others were ordered by me to busy themselves also with the Nirgranthas ; others were ordered by me to busy themselves also with various (other) sects; (thus) different Mahamatras (are busying themselves) specially with different (congregations). But my Mahamatras of morality are occupied with these (congregations) as well as with all other sects. List of Maurya Emperors The Maurya Empire (c. 322–185 BCE)
28-497: The empire's legacy. Bindusara , Chandragupta's son, assumed the throne around 297 BCE. He kept the empire running smoothly while maintaining its lands. Bindusara's son, Ashoka , was the third leader of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka left his mark on history by erecting large stone pillars inscribed with edicts that he issued. After Ashoka's death, his family continued to reign, but the empire began to break apart. The last of
35-531: The essentials of all religions. And to this end many are working - Dhamma Mahamatras, Mahamatras in charge of the women's quarters, officers in charge of outlying areas, and other such officers. And the fruit of this is that one's own religion grows and the dhamma is illuminated also. "Those my Mahamatras of morality too are occupied with affairs of many kinds which are beneficial to ascetics as well as to householders, and they are occupied also with all sects. Some (Mahamatras) were ordered by me to busy themselves with
42-732: The establishment of dhamma, for the promotion of Dhamma, and for the welfare and happiness of all who are devoted to dhamma. They work among the Greeks , the Kambojas , the Gandharas , the Rastrikas , the Pitinikas and other peoples on the western borders. Those who are content with their own religion should be told this: the beloved of the gods, King Piyadasi, does not value gifts and honors as much as he values that there should be growth in
49-512: Was an ancient Indian empire. The empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE and lasted until 185 BCE. The Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire. At its height, the empire covered most of the Indian subcontinent . The Mauryan Emperor was the monarchical head of state and wielded absolute rule over the empire. Chandragupta's chief minister Kautilya , sometimes called Chanakya , advised Chandragupta Maurya and contributed to
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