Exploring History at Kalsi Edict

The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Cell of Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences, Dehradun, organized an enriching educational visit to the historic Ashokan Rock Edict at Kalsi, as part of the ongoing ‘Know Your Country’ series aimed at strengthening students’ understanding of India’s civilizational heritage.

Faculty members Dr. Aasheesh Raturi, Dr. V.C. Reddy, Associate Professor & Head and Dr. C. S. Pandey led the visit, accompanied by enthusiastic students from various departments. The Kalsi Edict—one of the most prominent inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka—provided students with a rare opportunity to witness firsthand a monumental source of India’s ancient administrative, ethical, and cultural legacy.

During the field visit, Dr. Aasheesh Raturi and Dr. Raddy conducted an insightful interactive session titled “Know Your Country and Its History,” where students explored the significance of Ashoka’s Dhamma, the message of peace after the Kalinga War, and the broader contributions of the Mauryan Empire to governance, ethics, and public welfare. The session encouraged students to connect Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with historical evidence and the lived realities of India’s past.

Students actively engaged with the inscriptions, learning how Edict XIII at Kalsi—carved more than 2,300 years ago—continues to serve as a powerful source of historical knowledge, moral teaching, and cultural pride.

This field-based learning initiative reflects DIBNS’s commitment to holistic and experiential education, ensuring that students not only study India’s heritage but also experience it directly at its authentic sites.