History glossary
dharma
a moral and social order that Ashoka promoted through his edicts.
- Category
- Political and religious idea
- Region
- South Asia
- Date range
- Especially 3rd century BCE under Ashoka
What it means
Dharma, often rendered in Ashoka's inscriptions as dhamma, referred to moral conduct, restraint, respect, non-violence, care for people and animals, and duties across communities. Ashoka used it as a language of public rule after the Kalinga War.
