Which of the following Mauryan rock edicts explicitly mentions the horrors of the Kalinga War and expresses Ashoka's profound remorse and conversion to Dhamma?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Major Rock Edict XIII provides a detailed and poignant account of the Kalinga War fought by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 261 BCE, vividly describing the massive loss of life and suffering that triggered his profound remorse. This war led to his permanent abandonment of physical conquest in favor of conquest through Dhamma. Unlike Major Rock Edict II which outlines medical treatment for humans and animals, or Major Rock Edict VI which focuses on administrative efficiency and the welfare of subjects, this specific edict marks a major ideological turning point in ancient Indian history.