The Queen’s Donation Edict

Summary

The Queen’s Donation Edict, inscribed on the Allahabad-Kosam pillar, clarifies that it is an edict issued by Emperor Ashoka, not his queen, despite being mislabeled. It begins with the authoritative phrase *Devamampiyasha vacameni*, addressed to the *ravata Mahamatras* (115 Mahamatra Monks), instructing them to re-reckon the gifts of Ashoka’s second queen. The text faces restoration challenges due to damaged letters, particularly in lines 3 and 4, though scholars like Hultzsch and Bihler have attempted reconstructions. A key debate centers on the lacuna in line 4, where Hultzsch proposed the word *pimati* (“request”), but scholars question its grammatical and contextual fit. The edict’s tone and structure suggest a formal directive rather than a petition, aligning with Ashoka’s authoritative style seen in other edicts. Bihler’s alternative proposal to restore the lacuna with a verbal form derived from *gan* (e.g., *gamiyatha*, “reckon ye”) better fits the context and grammatical consistency. The inscription’s peculiar cursive features and stylistic anomalies are noted, with parallels drawn to other Ashokan texts like the Jaugada and Kalsi versions. Despite later scribblings and partial effacement, the core message emphasizes the queen’s gifts being formally recorded under imperial authority.