Ashokan

Ashokan is an adjective and noun used to describe things related to Ashoka the Great, an ancient Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled roughly from 268 to 232 BCE. It also appears in the name of artifacts and historical material associated with his reign, notably the Edicts of Ashoka, a collection of inscriptions issued by Ashoka on pillars, rock faces and monasteries across the Indian subcontinent that promote dharma, welfare and Buddhist moral teachings. These edicts form a key source for understanding early Buddhist history and Mauryan administration.

In modern usage, Ashokan is used as a toponym and in the names of places and institutions. The Ashokan Reservoir in the Catskill Mountains of New York is a major component of the New York City water supply system; the reservoir is commonly referred to simply as Ashokan. In academic and popular writing, the word Ashokan often appears when discussing the era or artifacts related to Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism.

The term may also function as a surname or given name in some cultures, though its usage in this sense is limited. Overall, Ashokan conveys connection to Ashoka’s historical legacy in ancient India and to modern references drawing on that legacy.