Ashoka, also known as "Ashoka the Great," was the third ruler of the Mauryan Empire, and his reign is regarded as one of the most glorious periods in Indian history. His legacy endures not only for his military conquests but also for his profound transformation from a fierce and ruthless ruler to a peaceful and compassionate emperor. Ashoka played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism, both in India and beyond, and his influence on religion, governance, and society continues to resonate today. This essay delves into the key events of his life, highlighting his reign, conquests, conversion to Buddhism, and enduring legacy.
Childhood and Early Life
Ashoka was born in 304 BC in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), the capital of the Mauryan Empire. His birth name was Devanampriya Priyadarshi Samrat Ashoka, meaning "the beloved of the gods who looks on with favor." He was the son of Emperor Bindusara and Maharani Dharma, and he was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka had several half-brothers from his father's other wives, creating a highly competitive environment in his early life.
From a young age, Ashoka displayed remarkable skills in both physical combat and leadership. He received royal military training and excelled in hunting, once demonstrating his prowess by killing a lion with just a wooden rod. His upbringing in the royal family and his martial capabilities set the stage for his future role as a fearsome military leader.
Accession and Early Reign
Ashoka's rise to power was marked by internal strife within the Mauryan dynasty. After the death of his father, Emperor Bindusara, in 272 BC, Ashoka faced a brutal contest for the throne against his half-brothers. According to Buddhist texts such as Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, Ashoka eliminated 99 of his brothers to secure his position, sparing only his brother Vitashoka or Tissa. Although Ashoka officially ascended the throne in 272 BC, it took him four years to consolidate his rule and have his coronation in 269 BC, becoming the third ruler of the Mauryan Empire.
Ashoka's early reign was characterized by constant warfare. He sought to expand the Mauryan Empire, which already covered vast territories of the Indian subcontinent. His military campaigns extended the empire to regions such as present-day Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the Burmese border. He was also successful in conquering the Godavari-Krishna basin and regions of Mysore in the south, though the southernmost territories of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as well as Sri Lanka, remained beyond his reach.
The Conquest of Kalinga
One of the most defining moments in Ashoka's life was the conquest of Kalinga in 261 BC. Kalinga, a kingdom located on the northeastern coast of India (present-day Odisha and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh), had never been under Mauryan control. Ashoka viewed Kalinga as a strategic target and launched a massive invasion.
The war that followed was one of the bloodiest conflicts in Indian history. Over 100,000 soldiers and civilians were killed, and more than 150,000 people were displaced. The immense suffering and loss of life profoundly affected Ashoka, leading to a deep sense of remorse. Witnessing the carnage firsthand, he was horrified by the devastation and the human cost of his military ambitions. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in Ashoka's life, as he vowed never to engage in violent warfare again.
Conversion to Buddhism
The aftermath of the Kalinga war had a transformative impact on Ashoka. His encounter with the horrors of war led him to seek solace in the teachings of Buddhism. According to Buddhist sources, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and converted to the faith, making it the state religion of the Mauryan Empire. His conversion to Buddhism was not only a personal transformation but also a significant shift in the governance and policies of his empire.
Ashoka's newfound commitment to Buddhism was reflected in his adoption of ahimsa (non-violence) as a guiding principle of his rule. He renounced violence and began to promote peace, tolerance, and compassion throughout his empire. Ashoka also took measures to propagate the teachings of Buddhism far beyond the borders of his empire. He sent Buddhist monks to various parts of the world, including Afghanistan, Syria, Persia, Greece, Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, China, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma, to spread the message of Buddhism.
Ashoka's Edicts and Reforms
Ashoka is perhaps best known for his series of edicts, which were inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout the Mauryan Empire. These edicts served as a means of communicating his policies and beliefs to his subjects. They were written in local dialects to ensure that they were accessible to the common people. The edicts laid down principles of governance based on Buddhist values, including non-violence, respect for all living beings, and social welfare.
Ashoka's edicts emphasized moral conduct, tolerance, and the welfare of his people. They urged his subjects to live virtuously, to respect each other's religious beliefs, and to avoid violence. Ashoka's commitment to social justice and equality was reflected in his policies, which sought to improve the lives of his subjects, irrespective of their social or religious background.
In addition to promoting moral values, Ashoka undertook significant administrative reforms. He established a network of hospitals and veterinary clinics to provide medical care for both humans and animals, demonstrating his concern for the well-being of all living creatures. Ashoka also improved the infrastructure of his empire by constructing roads, rest houses, and wells to ensure the comfort and safety of travelers and merchants.
Ashoka's Contributions to Buddhism
Ashoka's reign is considered a golden age for the spread of Buddhism. He is said to have built 84,000 stupas (Buddhist monuments) across South Asia and Central Asia to house relics of the Buddha and provide places of meditation for Buddhist monks. These stupas became centers of Buddhist learning and played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating Buddhist teachings.
One of Ashoka's most enduring contributions to Buddhism is the Ashoka Chakra or "the wheel of righteousness," which became a symbol of the Buddhist faith. The Ashoka Chakra is prominently featured on many of his relics, including the Lion Capital of Sarnath and the Ashoka Pillar. Today, the Ashoka Chakra is at the center of the Indian national flag, symbolizing India's commitment to justice, righteousness, and peace.
Ashoka's promotion of Buddhism extended beyond India. His children, Mahendra and Sanghamitra, were instrumental in spreading Buddhism to Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), where it became the dominant religion. Ashoka's efforts to propagate Buddhism contributed to its spread across Asia, where it continues to flourish to this day.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ashoka's personal life was as eventful as his reign. During his early years, while in exile in Kalinga, Ashoka fell in love with Princess Kaurwaki, and the two later married. While recovering from injuries in Ujjain, he also met and married Vidisa Mahadevi Sakya Kumari (Devi), with whom he had two children—Mahendra and Sanghamitra. These two children would later play a crucial role in spreading Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Apart from Kaurwaki and Devi, Ashoka is believed to have had several other wives, including Padmavati, Tishyaraksha, and Asandhimitra, with whom he had more children. Despite his royal lineage and multiple marriages, Ashoka's legacy is defined by his commitment to the welfare of his people and his promotion of Buddhist values.
Ashoka passed away in 232 BC at the age of 72, having ruled the Mauryan Empire for nearly four decades. His death marked the end of a stable and prosperous reign, and while Buddhism eventually declined in India after his death, it continued to thrive in other parts of Asia.
Conclusion
Ashoka's reign is one of the most remarkable in Indian history, not only for his military conquests but also for his profound transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate and enlightened ruler. His embrace of Buddhism, his promotion of non-violence, and his commitment to social justice and equality have left an indelible mark on history. Ashoka's legacy as a great emperor and a champion of Buddhism continues to inspire people across the world, making him one of the most revered figures in Indian and world history.
