Ashoka the Great

Ashoka the Great, also known as Emperor Ashoka, stands as one of the most remarkable figures in the history. His reign, which spanned from 268 BCE to 232 BCE, marked a pivotal moment in the Indian subcontinent’s history. Ashoka’s transformation from a ruthless warrior king, who never lost a single war, to a compassionate and visionary ruler is a tale of profound significance. This article by Academic Block, delves into the life and reign of Ashoka, exploring his early years, rise to power, transformation, and lasting legacy that continues to influence India and the world today.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Ashoka Maurya, born in 304 BCE, was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, and the son of Emperor Bindusara. The Mauryan Empire, one of the most powerful and expansive empires of ancient India, was known for its territorial reach and administrative innovations. Ashoka’s early life, however, was marked by a fierce competition for the throne among Bindusara’s sons.

Ashoka’s path to power was neither straightforward nor peaceful. He initially served as the provincial governor of Ujjain, one of the Mauryan Empire’s key regions. His ascent to the throne was shrouded in tales of palace intrigue and peaceful political maneuvering. Nevertheless, after a protracted struggle, Ashoka eventually emerged victorious, becoming the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty in 268 BCE. It is important to note, that none of his brothers were hurt in this struggle, they were assigned governorship roles within the empire. This allowed them to contribute to the governance of the kingdom without being direct contenders for the throne.

Military Conquests and Expansion

Upon ascending the throne, Ashoka embarked on a campaign to further expand the Mauryan Empire’s dominion. He was considered as a just and honorable king by his subjects. He was always available to them and would often waive state taxes during the dry seasons. However, when it comes to his enemies, his military campaigns, were characterized by immense brutality and ruthless aggression, resulted in the conquest of vast territories. Ashoka was a brave and exemplary military strategist. In war, he always led his troops from the front. In the battlefield he would often ride a black horse with a bow and arrows in his hand, and sword hanging by his side. His blatant charges, without even caring for his own safety had a huge phycological impact on the enemy. His strategy involved gaining the focus of enemy troops on himself, while his troops would outflank the enemies. Due to the success of his military campaigns, his empire encompassed nearly the entire Indian subcontinent, extending from present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, India in the west to Bangladesh and Nepal in the east and as far south as the Deccan Plateau.

Ashoka is known as a leader who never lost a war. His valor in the battlefield was often considered as beyond human limits, even by his enemies. His opponents even thought him of as the king with the divine blessings. Ashoka’s expansionist zeal is perhaps best exemplified by his Kalinga War, fought in 261 BCE. The Kalinga War, which was waged against the independent kingdom of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha), was a bloodbath. Ashoka’s victory came at a terrible cost, with hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians perishing in the conflict.

The Kalinga War

The Kalinga War, which took place around 261 BCE, is a pivotal event in the life of Ashoka the Great, marking a turning point in his reign. Kalinga was an independent coastal kingdom located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, corresponding to the modern Indian state of Odisha.

Kalinga, known for its skilled warriors and maritime prowess, resisted Ashoka’s expansionist ambitions, leading to a military conflict. Kalinga’s fierce resistance compelled Ashoka to send a large military force, including infantry, cavalry, and war elephants. The war was intense and brutal, resulting in a significant loss of life on both sides. Furious with the losses, Ashoka decided to led his forces, by himself. His shear will and bravery turned the tide in his favour. In the end, the Mauryans emerged victorious, and Kalinga was annexed into the Mauryan Empire. Though, Ashoka prevailed, the war’s extensive bloodshed and destruction had a profound impact on Ashoka. He was deeply affected by the suffering he witnessed during and after the conflict.

The Kalinga War and its aftermath prompted a change in Ashoka’s outlook. He felt remorse and revulsion at the human and animal suffering caused by his pursuit of conquest. This transformation led Ashoka to renounce violence and aggression. He adopted a policy of Dharma (righteousness), which emphasized moral and ethical governance. The Kalinga War and its aftermath played a crucial role in shaping Ashoka’s legacy as a compassionate and ethical ruler. It marked the transition from a warrior king to a proponent of non-violence, religious tolerance, and social welfare.

The Transformation of Ashoka

The pivotal moment in Ashoka’s life came after the Kalinga War. While victorious, he was struck by the tremendous suffering he had caused. The sight of the devastation and human misery left an indelible mark on him. He felt responsible for the huge loss of lives. Ashoka’s heart was filled with remorse and a desire for redemption. It was during this period that he embraced the teachings of Buddhism, a faith founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in the 6th century BCE.

Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism was a turning point in his life and reign. He adopted a policy of non-violence and compassion, famously inscribed on the rock edicts and pillars erected throughout his empire. His commitment to Buddhism became a cornerstone of his governance, and he initiated a series of reforms aimed at promoting social welfare, religious tolerance, and moral conduct.

Ashoka’s Dhamma

Ashoka’s commitment to Buddhism gave birth to his moral and ethical code, often referred to as “Dhamma.” The concept of Dhamma was not limited to religious doctrine but was a comprehensive guide to ethical governance and individual behavior. Under Dhamma, Ashoka propagated principles of tolerance, respect for all religions, and the welfare of his subjects.

One of the most remarkable features of Ashoka’s reign was his attempt to communicate his Dhamma to his subjects through a series of rock and pillar inscriptions. These inscriptions were etched in various parts of his empire and written in multiple languages, including Prakrit and Greek, in order to reach a wider audience. They conveyed Ashoka’s commitment to non-violence, truthfulness, compassion, and other moral virtues.

The famous Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, with its four-lion capital, is an iconic representation of his Dhamma. This emblem was later adopted as the official state emblem of the Republic of India in 1950, and the four lions continue to be a symbol of India today.

Social and Administrative Reforms

Ashoka’s transformation went beyond personal beliefs and extended to the realm of governance. He introduced a series of administrative reforms that aimed to enhance the welfare of his subjects. Some of the key reforms and policies of Ashoka included:

1. The establishment of a network of hospitals and veterinary clinics: Ashoka promoted healthcare for both humans and animals. These facilities were designed to provide medical care and treatment to those in need.

2. Support for agriculture: Ashoka introduced measures to improve agriculture, including planting of trees and digging wells, to boost food production and mitigate famine.

3. Animal rights: As a part of his commitment to non-violence, Ashoka introduced laws to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation.

4. Promoting trade and commerce: Ashoka encouraged trade and commerce by creating favorable conditions for merchants and traders, both within the empire and beyond its borders.

5. Religious tolerance: He ensured that all religions were respected and protected within his empire, advocating for peaceful coexistence and dialogue between different faiths.

6. The institution of efficient taxation: Ashoka implemented a fair tax system, which included income tax, to fund his welfare and public works programs.

Impact on Buddhism

Ashoka’s patronage and support for Buddhism had a profound and lasting impact on the religion. The spread of Buddhism beyond India’s borders was greatly facilitated by Ashoka’s policies. He sent missionaries to different parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the Hellenistic kingdoms, to propagate Buddhist teachings.

Ashoka’s influence on Buddhism can be seen in his support for the Third Buddhist Council, which sought to settle doctrinal disputes within the monastic community. Additionally, he played a crucial role in preserving the Buddhist scriptures, having them inscribed on various materials, such as stone and metal, to ensure their survival.

Legacy of Ashoka

The legacy of Ashoka the Great is profound and enduring. His transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate and enlightened ruler is a testament to the power of personal change and ethical governance. His impact on India and the world can be seen in the following aspects:

1. Promotion of Buddhism: Ashoka’s patronage and propagation of Buddhism led to the religion’s expansion across Asia, influencing the cultural, religious, and philosophical landscape of numerous countries.

2. Symbol of India: Ashoka’s lion capital, with its four lions, remains an enduring symbol of India and is found on the national emblem, currency, and official documents.

3. Moral Governance: Ashoka’s principles of non-violence, religious tolerance, and ethical governance continue to inspire leaders worldwide. His concept of Dhamma is a reminder of the importance of moral and just leadership.

4. Social Welfare: His policies and reforms aimed at improving the lives of his subjects laid the foundation for the development of a welfare state in India.

5. Historical Significance: Ashoka’s rock and pillar edicts, which provide insights into his reign and transformation, have great historical significance and have been essential in reconstructing India’s ancient history.

Final Words

Ashoka the Great’s reign is a compelling story of personal transformation and the profound impact of an enlightened ruler on a vast empire. His transition from a ruthless warrior to a compassionate leader demonstrates the potential for positive change, both on an individual and societal level. His support for Buddhism and propagation of moral governance left an indelible mark on history and the development of culture of peace, and his legacy continues to inspire world leaders and citizens alike. Ashoka’s life and reign remain a testament to the enduring power of ethics, compassion, and the pursuit of a just and harmonious society. Please provide your comments below, it will help us in improving this article. Thanks for reading!