ASI releases book on Kalsi Ashokan edicts on World Heritage Day

Dehradun: The Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Dehradun circle on Saturday released a book on the rock edicts at Kalsi to mark World Heritage Day.The publication highlights the historical significance of the site, located about 45 km northwest of Dehradun, which is protected by the ASI. Kalsi is known for its Ashokan rock edicts, inscribed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty.Mohan Chandra Joshi, superintending archaeologist of the Dehradun circle, said, “This book will not only benefit students of history and archaeology but will also satisfy the curiosity of those interested in human civilisation and the history of our nation.”ASI officials said the Kalsi rock edicts comprise a set of inscriptions attributed to Ashoka. The engravings, located in Kalsi village, measure about 8 ft in width and 10 ft in length, and are written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script.“These edicts reflect Ashoka’s humane approach to administration, his concern for the moral and spiritual welfare of his subjects, and his commitment to non-violence,” Joshi said.MLA Munna Singh Chauhan (Vikasnagar), along with Ritesh Aswal, Deepak Tomar and Poonam Verma, attended the event. A photography exhibition on protected monuments and sites in Uttarakhand was also organised and students from Government Inter College, Kalsi, and Eklavya Adarsh Vidyalaya participated in a painting competition.