About the Book
In this book "Asoka and his Inscriptions: Parts I & II" is a thorough examination of Emperor Asoka's life, reign, and significance. It delves into various facets such as personal history, empire, state, administration, and dharma (duty/righteousness). Through a comprehensive analysis of literary and archaeological sources, it navigates the complexities of studying ancient Indian history. By centering on Asoka's inscriptions and monuments, the book provides profound insights into his era and the socio-political landscape. It stands as an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts seeking to understand ancient Indian history and culture in depth.
About the Author
Benimadhab Barua (1888-1948) was an Indian scholar renowned for his expertise in ancient Indian languages, Buddhism, and law. He excelled as an educator and writer, contributing significantly to academia. Barua's academic journey began in Bengal, where he pursued studies in Päli and law at various prestigious institutions. After obtaining degrees from the University of Calcutta and the University of London, he returned to India and joined Calcutta University as a professor. Barua's scholarly works, including "A History of Pre-Buddhist Indian Philosophy" and "The Ajivikas," showcased his profound understanding of Buddhist philosophy and Indian history. He received accolades for his contributions to Buddhist studies and passed away in Calcutta in 1948, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual excellence.
Foreword
The present work on Aśoka and his Inscriptions is the outcome of a prolonged study of the inscriptions and legends of the great Maurya emperor in their manifold historical bearings, Since I was initiated into the study of Indian inscriptions at first hand in 1912 by the late Professor R. D. Banerji, then a Superintendent of the Archmological Section of the Indian Museum, Calcutta, my strong conviction was that with a mere knowledge of the paleography indispensable to decipherment and of the dictionary meaning of the words employed was not in itself sufficient for either a correct interpretation of the epigraphs or a thorough grasp of their importance as historical documents. A first-hand knowledge of contemporary literature and its language was as much a desideratum as the historical training and intellectual equipment for a proper assessment of their evidentiary values. In other words, the mere epigraphist or the mere linguist was incompetent to fulfil this task. And since I became associated with the Post-Graduate teaching in Arts inaugurated by Sir Asutosh Mookerjee in the premier Indian University of Calcutta I began to press the need of supplementing the teaching of the inscriptions by trained epigraphists with that imparted by capable teachers in the language and literature departments, the epigraphic evidence being inseparable from the collective literary evidence.
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