Ashoka (273 BC-232 BC)

  • He was the greatest Mauryan ruler; Governor of Taxila and Ujjain previously. His rule extended to the whole of sub-continent except extreme South. It also included Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Kashmir and valley of Nepal.
  • A Buddhist text Dipavasma says that he usurped the throen after killing his 99 brothers except the youngest one Tissa in the war of succession that lasted for four years.
  • He fought Kalinga War (261 BC) In the 9th year of his rule. The miseries of war caused deep remorse to Ashoka and therefore he abounded the policy of physically conquest (Bherighosa) in favour of cultural conquest (Dhamma ghosha).
  • However, Ashoka retained Kalinga after conquest and killing around 1 lakh people. This prove that he was not extreme pacifist and change I his policies were mawere mainly for adminstrative purpose.
  • He embraced Buddhist under Upagupta.
  • He sent his son Mehendra and daughter Sanghmitra to Ceylon as Buddhist missionaries with a sapling of original pipe tree.
  • He inaugurated Dhammayatras from the 11th year of his reign by visiting by Both Gaya; also appointed Dhamma Mahamatfas (officer of righteousness to spread message of Dhamma).
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