What is the importance of Ashoka's edicts?

The edicts of Ashoka form the most important source of Mauryan history. They are the oldest, best preserved and precisely dated records of India. The Ashoka's edicts provide an insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about the history of the Mauryas in general. Details about Kalinga war, call for non-violence and peace are mentioned on these edicts.