Ashoka the Great was the most famous ruler of the Mauryan Empire. He reigned from about 268 BCE to 232 BCE. He is remembered for the Kalinga War and his policy of Dhamma. His edicts are an important source of ancient Indian history.
The Kalinga War
Ashoka fought the Kalinga War in 261 BCE against the kingdom of Kalinga (modern Odisha). The huge loss of life in the war filled him with deep sorrow. After this, he gave up war and adopted Buddhism and a policy of peace.
Policy of Dhamma
Ashoka's Dhamma was a moral code for the people. It stressed non-violence, respect for elders, kindness to servants, tolerance of all religions and truthfulness. He appointed officers called Dhamma Mahamatras to spread these ideas. Dhamma was not a religion but a set of ethical rules.
Edicts and Pillars
Ashoka recorded his messages on rocks and pillars across the empire. These edicts are mostly written in the Brahmi script and Prakrit language. The Lion Capital at Sarnath is the national emblem of India. James Prinsep first deciphered the Brahmi script of these edicts.
Spread of Buddhism
Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to many countries. He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism. He also held the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra.
Quick Revision Points
- Ashoka reigned about 268 BCE to 232 BCE.
- Fought the Kalinga War in 261 BCE.
- Adopted Buddhism after Kalinga.
- His Dhamma was a moral code, not a religion.
- Edicts in Brahmi script and Prakrit.
- Sarnath Lion Capital is India's national emblem.
- Sent Mahendra and Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka.