Dhauli and Jaugada: Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts in Odisha
Background
Dhauli and Jaugada, both in Odisha and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, are listed as Major Rock Edict sites in India's serial nomination of Ashokan edict sites on the UNESCO Tentative List, submitted on 11 February 2025. Jaugada, in Ganjam district near Berhampur, was a Mauryan fortified capital of the Kalinga province; its inscription is in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
Odisha edict sites:
Dhauli, Jaugada
Nomination submitted:
11 February 2025
Script:
Brahmi (Prakrit)
Why it matters for exams: Ashoka, the Kalinga war and edict sites are standard ancient-history questions in every state PSC and UPSC.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC