What method did Asoka use to broadcast his precepts to the public?

Asoka, the Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, utilized inscribed stones and pillars as a method to broadcast his precepts to the public. This approach was significant because it allowed for the dissemination of his messages across vast areas, ensuring that they were accessible to a wide audience. By carving edicts onto stone and monumental pillars, Asoka’s words could endure the test of time and reach many people, including those who were illiterate, as they could visually see the inscriptions.

The inscriptions often contained his moral and ethical guidelines influenced by Buddhism, promoting concepts such as non-violence, tolerance, and the welfare of his subjects. This method also reinforced his authority as a ruler who was committed to the welfare of his people, making it a powerful tool for unifying and guiding the populace. The use of physical structures for communication made his precepts a tangible part of the landscape, ensuring that they were a constant reminder of his governance.