Asoka

Asoka (273 - 232 BC), also known as Asoka the Great, the emperor of ancient India, a ruler of the Maurya Dynasty. Asoka is an anglicized name of Ashok. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya of Magadh. He became so disgusted by the cruelty of warfare that he renounced it for the rest of his life.

He ascended to the throne about 273 BC on the death of his father Bindusar, then the king of Magadha. He ultimately emerged not only as the most famous king of the Maurya dynasty, but is also regarded as one of the greatest king of India and the world. His empire covered the whole territory from Hindu Kush to Bengal and extended over Afghanistan, Baluchistan and the whole of India with the exception of a small area in the farthest south. The valleys of Nepal and Kashmir were also included in his empire.

He fought Kalinga war in 261 BC, which was the most important event his life and reign. The conquest of Kalinga (modern Orissa) proved to be the turning point of his life. The Kalinga war witnessed terrible manslaughter and destruction. The sufferings and atrocities of the battlefield lacerated the heart of Asoka. He made a resolve not to wage war any more. He realised the wickedness of worldly conquest and the beauty of moral and spiritual triumph. He was drawn to the teachings of Buddha and converted to Buddhism. He devoted rest of his life to the conquest of men's heart by the law of duty or piety. He evolved a policy of Dharma Vijaya, 'Conquest by Piety'. He did everything possible to propagate Buddhism and to establish Dhamma. He provided a welfare administration. Many Buddhist missions were sent by him to foreign countries. This ardent disciple of Buddha organised Buddhism, as Constantine did Christianity, into a State religion. He convened the third great council of the Church of that creed at Pataliputra (Patna); made a proclamation of this faith as far as his influence extended, evidence of which is still extant in pillars and rocks inscribed with his edicts in wide districts of Northern India. His inscriptions in rocks and stone pillars were in Prakrit.

Wisdom & Quotes

• When an unconquered country in conquered, people are killed. ... That the beloved of the Gods finds very pitiful and grievous. ...If anyone does him wrong , it will be forgiven as far as it can be forgiven. ...The beloved of the Gods considers that the greatest of all victories is the victory of righteousness.

- describing his conversion to Buddhism and new attitudes

• It is forbidden to decry other sects; the true believer gives honour to whatever in them is worthy of honour.

- decree to his subjects

Plautus