Impact of the Kalinga War and Giving Up Violence
In about 260 BC, Ashoka campaigned against the Kalingans and routed them, presumably a campaign to safeguard the routes of the profitable Mauryan trade with the peninsula that went past the eastern coast.
The destruction caused by the Kalinga War in 261 BC filled him with remorse, and his earlier interest in Buddhist teaching was rekindled, and it became a central pursuit. He was immediately converted to Buddhism. The 13th Rock Edict referred to his victory over Kalinga. He eventually began to adopt the policy of ruling by Dhamma instead of force and violence. Hundreds and thousands of people were adversely affected by the destruction and fallout of the war.
When he personally witnessed the devastation, he began feeling remorse. Although the annexation was complete, he embraced the teachings of Buddhism and renounced war and violence. He replaced the word Bheri gosha with Dhamma ghosha among all his subjects. He made elaborate arrangements for the oral propagation of his message; he created a special cadre of dhamma mahamatas within the kingdom and border people such as Yonas, kambojas, Gandharas, Rishtikas, and Pitinikas to move along members of all sects and to promote welfare and happiness.
Ashoka Biography : Personal life, History, Religion, His Empire
Emperor Ashoka: Discover the fascinating journey of Emperor Ashoka, the legendary Mauryan ruler, in this comprehensive biography. From his early life and ascension to the throne to his transformative conversion to Buddhism and the profound impact of Ashoka’s edicts, explore the legacy of one of ancient India’s most influential figures. Delve into the historical significance of Ashoka’s reign, his contributions to spreading Buddhism, and how his policies shaped the Mauryan Empire and Indian civilization.
In this article, We have covered the Smarat Ashoka Biography, His early Life, Education Spritual Transformation, His Empire and more.
Table of Content
- Ashoka Biography Overview
- Who was Ashoka?
- Early Life and Education of Ashoka
- Spiritual Transformation of Ashoka
- Mauryan Emperor Ashoka
- Impact of the Kalinga War and Giving Up Violence
- Spread of Buddhism
- Propagation of Dhamma
- Ashoka’s Inscriptions
- Extent of Emperor Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka, the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled a vast empire in the Indian subcontinent from approximately 268 to 232 BCE. Known for his conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War, Ashoka promoted moral governance through his rulings and pillars, advocating principles of non-violence, compassion, and social welfare.