Ashoka

Ashoka Rock Edict at Junagadh

013 King Asoka visits Ramagrama (33428090870)

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Ashoka (also known as Ashoka the Great) was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. He is one of India's greatest emperors and his reign is considered a pivotal point in Indian history. Ashoka's legacy is remembered for his widespread promotion of the Buddhist religion across Asia, his efforts in spreading messages of peace, and his policy of Dhamma which aimed at the moral and spiritual upliftment of his subjects.

Early Life

Ashoka was born to the Mauryan king Bindusara and a relatively lower ranked queen, Subhadrangi (or Dharma). He had several siblings, and the exact order of his birth is not clear, but he emerged as the most powerful and capable of Bindusara's sons. Ashoka's early life is not well-documented, but legends and texts suggest he was a fierce warrior and an ambitious prince.

Ascension to the Throne

After the death of Bindusara, Ashoka managed to ascend the throne by overcoming several of his brothers in a struggle for succession that is believed to have been both complex and violent. His coronation took place around 268 BCE, marking the beginning of his reign.

Reign and Conversion to Buddhism

Ashoka's reign initially followed the expansionist policies of his predecessors, leading to the conquest of the Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) around 261 BCE. The Kalinga War was a turning point in Ashoka's life. Horrified by the mass deaths and suffering the war caused, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and decided to dedicate his life to spreading the principles of peace, non-violence, and dharma (moral law).

Following his conversion, Ashoka implemented policies that were based on Buddhist principles. He sent missionaries to various parts of the Indian subcontinent as well as to other countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Greece to spread Buddhism. He also established monuments related to Buddhism, including the famous Sanchi Stupa and the Ashoka Pillars, which bear inscriptions of his teachings and edicts.

Dhamma

Ashoka's concept of Dhamma did not pertain to a specific religion but was a way of life that promoted the well-being of all. It emphasized on moral values such as truthfulness, compassion, gratitude, and tolerance. Through his edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars across his empire, Ashoka communicated his policies and instructions on dharma to his subjects.

Legacy

Ashoka's legacy is a testament to the power of transformation and the impact of ethical governance. His efforts in promoting Buddhism played a significant role in the spread of the religion across Asia. Today, Ashoka is celebrated as a symbol of non-violence and religious tolerance.

His reign is documented in various historical texts, including the Ashokavadana, an Indian text that describes his life and deeds, and through his own inscriptions, which are among the oldest deciphered writings in India.

Death and Succession

Ashoka died in 232 BCE after a reign of approximately 36 years. After his death, the Maurya Dynasty continued to rule but gradually declined in power. None of his successors were able to maintain the vast empire Ashoka had built, leading to its eventual downfall.