Editing Ashoka (section)

===Inscriptions===

Ashoka's inscriptions are the earliest self-representations of imperial power in the Indian subcontinent.{{sfn|Singh|2012|p=131}} However, these inscriptions are focused mainly on the topic of ''[[Ashoka's policy of Dhamma|dhamma]]'', and provide little information regarding other aspects of the [[Maurya Empire|Maurya]] state or society.{{sfn|Singh|2012|p=132}} Even on the topic of ''dhamma'', the content of these inscriptions cannot be taken at face value. In the words of American academic [[John S. Strong]], it is sometimes helpful to think of Ashoka's messages as propaganda by a politician whose aim is to present a favourable image of himself and his administration, rather than record historical facts.{{sfn|Strong|1995|p=141}}

A small number of other inscriptions also provide some information about Ashoka.{{sfn|Singh|2012|p=132}} For example, he finds a mention in the 2nd century [[Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman]].{{sfn|Thapar|1961|p=8}} [[Aramaic Inscription of Taxila|An inscription]] discovered at [[Sirkap]] mentions a lost word beginning with "Priyadari", which is theorised to be Ashoka's title "Priyadarshi" since it has been written in Aramaic of 3rd century BCE, although this is not certain.{{sfn|Thapar|1961|p=7}} Some other inscriptions, such as the [[Sohgaura copper plate inscription]] and the Mahasthan inscription, have been tentatively dated to Ashoka's period by some scholars, although others contest this.{{sfn|Thapar|1961|pp=7–8}}