Ashoka The Great

As the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, Ashoka was born in the year 304 B.C.His greatest achievements were spreading Buddhism throughout his empire and beyond. He set up an ideal government for his people and conquered many lands, expanding his kingdom.

The knowledge of Ashoka's early reign is limited because little information was found. His edicts and inscriptions allowed us to understand his reign and empire, and have an insight into the events that took place during this remarkable period of history.

Eight years after he took his throne, Ashoka's powerful armies attacked and conquered Kalinga (present day Orissa). Although ashoka had conquered many other places, this violent war was the last war he ever fought and a turning point of his career. He was disgusted by the extreme deaths of numerous civilians, especially the Brahmans. All these misfortunes brought Ashoka to turn into a religious ruler compared to a military ruler.

As he turned to Buddhism, he emphasized dharma (law of piety) and ahimsa (nonviolence). He realized he could not spread Buddhism all by himself and therefore appointed officers to help promote the teachings. These officers were called Dhamma Mahamattas or Officers of Righteousness -- they were in charge.

Ashoka the Great

Mauryan emperor


Reign 273 BC-232 BC
Full name Ashoka Maurya
Born 304 BC Pataliputra (Modern Day, Patna)
Died 232 BC Pataliputra
Buried Ashes immersed in Ganges River, possibly at Varanasi Predecessor Bindusara
Emperor Mahindra
Successor Dasaratha Maurya
Consort Maharani Devi
Consort Rani Kaurwaki
Wife/wives Rani Tishyaraksha
Royal House Maghada
Dynasty Mauryan dynasty, Magadha (India)
Father Bindusara
Mother Rani Dharma