Ashoka was the great emperor of The Mauryan Empire who ruled from 268 to 232 BC. He erected several pillars and edicts which are engraved with various inscriptions to describe social and political life during his reign. These Ashokan inscriptions are divided into pillars and rocks edicts. There are seven major pillar edicts and 14 major rock edicts. The pillar edict IV describes the responsibilities of the Rajukas officers appointed by Ashoka. It is clear from this pillar edict that Ashoka did not abolish capital punishment. He only gave a three day respite to the convicts so that within that period their relatives can try for their deliverance, or convict can follow the Dhamma to attain merit in next world. Rock edict XIII It mentions Ashokan victory after Kalinga. Minor Rock edict I In this edict Ashoka describes himself as an Upasaka. Separate Kalinga edicts In the separate edicts found in Kalinga, Ashoka declared all people as his sons.