Emperor Ashoka And Public Relations
The PR technique of communications were unconsciously used in ancient India. The best example is that of the Ashoka, an Indian emperor of Maurya Dynasty. He espoused ‘Buddhism’, relatively a new religion to greater heights. He greatly emphasised on piety in his Edicts. Piety is a virtue that can mean religious devotion, spirituality or a combination of both.
The Edicts of Emperor Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka, as well as boulders and cave walls, made during his reign. His edicts, inscribed on rocks that have survived till this day, informed the people about his proselytism, moral precepts, religious precepts, notions of social and animal welfare, government policies, and exhorted them to carry out certain tasks.
Interestingly, an important principle of public relations was practiced by Emperor Ashoka. The edicts for different regions were written in regional scripts that were in use in that region, making royal communication ‘Language and Region-Specific’ for better understanding and acceptability.
Author Name: Suresh Gaur – PR Guru
World Record Holder, Doctor of Letters (HC) D. Litt. in PR, Certified Banker, Public Relations Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Author, Blogger, StoryTeller, Influencer.
The above article and the views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the stand and views of FNN News editorial in any manner.
