| Site of Asoka’s major Rock Edicts | Purpose of the edict |
| Major Rock Edict I | Prohibits animal slaughter. Bans festive gatherings and killings of animals. |
| Major Rock Edict II | Provides care for man and animals.Describes recipients as the Chola, Pandyas, Satyapura and Cheras Kingdoms |
| Major Rock Edict III | It says that the Yuktas (subordinate officers) and Pradesikas (district Heads) along with Rajukas (Rural officers) shall go to all areas of the kingdom every five years and spread the Dhamma Policy of Asoka. |
| Major Rock Edict IV | Dhammaghosa is ideal to mankind and not the Bherighosa. Impact of Dhamma on society.
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| Major Rock Edict V | Concerns about the policy towards slaves. He mentions in this rock edict “Every Human is my child”. |
| Major Rock Edict VI | King’s aspiration to know about his people’s circumstances. About welfare measures. |
| Major Rock Edict VII | Requests tolerance for all religions |
| Major Rock Edict VIII | Describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya & Bodhi Tree. |
| Major Rock Edict IX | Condemns popular ceremonies. |
| Major Rock Edict X | Condemns the desire for fame and glory. |
| Major Rock Edict XI | Elaborates on principles of Dhamma. |
| Major Rock Edict XII | Tolerance for all religions and sects. |
| Major Rock Edict XIII | Mentions conquest over Kalinga. Mentions Ashoka’s Dhamma victory over Greek Kings Antiochus of Syria (Amtiyoko), Ptolemy of Egypt (Turamaye), Magas of Cyrene (Maka), Antigonus of Macedon (Amtikini), Alexander of Epirus (Alikasudaro). Also mentions Pandyas, Cholas, etc.
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| Major Rock Edict XIV | Describes engraving of inscriptions in different parts of the country.
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