Ashokan Edicts in Delhi, Ancient stone inscriptions at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India.

The Ashokan Edicts in Delhi comprise a rock edict found in 1966 and stone pillars moved from Meerut and Ambala under Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388). The pillar at Feroz Shah Kotla is a tall tapering sandstone shaft rising from a multi-tiered stone base, its surface cut with Prakrit inscriptions in Brahmi script.

An emperor ordered these edicts carved between 268 and 232 BCE after transforming from a military ruler into a promoter of peace. This shift marked a turning point in his understanding of power and responsibility toward his people.

The inscriptions display early Indian governance principles, merging Buddhist teachings with rules for maintaining social order and ethical behavior. They reflect a wish to spread moral messages to all people throughout the realm.

The pillar stands inside the Feroz Shah Kotla complex in Feruzabad, the fifth medieval city of Delhi, reached from the main road by a short walk past the ruins. The edict band sits high on the shaft, so bring binoculars to read the Brahmi characters; the surrounding walls and arched recesses are best seen in low morning light.

The massive stone pillar was transported to Delhi from its original location in the 14th century, a remarkable logistical achievement of that era. The process required specialized equipment and large numbers of workers to move and install this heavy monument.