The third ruler of the Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE), Ashoka the Great (r. 268–232 BCE) is most remembered for his efficient rule over a practically pan-Indian political entity, his creation of the notion of dhamma (pious social conduct), and his sponsorship of Buddhism.
The Mauryan Empire, ruled by Ashoka, spanned nearly the whole Indian subcontinent, extending from present-day Iran. The political manual known as the Arthashastra, credited to Ashoka's prime minister Chanakya (also called Kautilya and Vishnugupta; l. c. 350-275 BCE), who served under Ashoka's grandfather Chandragupta (r. c. 321-c. 297 BCE), who founded the empire, was the primary source of Ashoka's initial ability to rule this vast empire.
Ashoka, which means "without sorrow," was perhaps his given name. In his stone edicts, he is called Devanampiya Piyadassi, which means "Beloved of the Gods" and "gracious of mien," according to scholar John Keay (and accepted by the academic community) (89). Early in his reign, Ashoka is reported to have been especially cruel. However, in 260 BCE, he launched an attack on the Kingdom of Kalinga, which caused so much death, destruction, and mayhem that Ashoka eventually gave up on war, became a Buddhist, and dedicated his life to peace, as symbolised by the concept of dhamma. Outside of his decrees, the majority of our knowledge about him originates from Buddhist writings that present him as a paradigm of conversion
Even fifty years after his passing, the empire he and his family established was destroyed. Despite being the most outstanding monarch of one of the most expansive and potent empires in history, his identity remained obscure until the 1837 identification by British scholar and orientalist James Prinsep (d. 1799–1840 CE). Since then, Ashoka's decision to forgo violence, his insistence on religious tolerance, and his nonviolent efforts to establish Buddhism as a prominent global religion have made him one of history's most fascinating kings.
Childhood & Ascent to Power
While Ashoka's name can be found in the Puranas, an Indian encyclopaedia that deals with monarchs, heroes, stories.The Puranas, India's encyclopaedic literature on monarchs, heroes, stories, and gods, mention Ashoka by name but provide no details about his life. The accounts of his early years, ascent to prominence, and decision to give up warfare after the Kalinga campaign originate from Buddhist writings, which are generally regarded as more mythical than factual.
King Ashoka's inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic
King Ashoka's inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic
Global Imagery (Public Domain)
He is believed to have been one of the 100 sons of his father Bindusara's (r. 297–c. 273 BCE) wives, however his exact birthday is uncertain. One book refers to his mother as Subhadrangi, while another gives her name as Dharma. She is additionally shown as the daughter.
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