Extent of Emperor Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka covered the whole territory from Hindu Kush to Bengal and extended over Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and the whole of the Indian subcontinent, with the exception of a small area in the farthest south. Kashmir and the valleys of Nepal were also included in his empire. According to documented history, the great Mauryan king Ashoka (1st century BC) established the old city of Srinagar and named it Puranadhisthan (Pandrethan). He is referred to as Buddhsakya in the Maski inscription and Dharmakosa in the Sarnath inscription.
Some of his works of public utility included the founding of hospitals for people and animals, the digging of wells, the planting of roadside trees and groves, and the construction of watering sheds and rest houses. Orders were issued to curb public laxity and prevent cruelty towards animals. Some of the most enduring services to Buddhism included building a number of stupas (commemorative burial mounds) and monasteries.
He is credited with the adoption of several welfare measures for the public and is the first monarch known to have advocated conservation measures for wildlife. However, his policy of dhamma and ahimsa did not make a lasting impression amongst the vassals, who declared independence after his retirement in 232 BCE.
One of his significant contributions was how he brought political unification to the Mauryan empire through dhamma and religious tolerance. He reversed Kautilya’s advice to rulers to always be intent on physical conquest and advised his successors to give up the policy of conquest and aggression.
He intended to maintain the existing social order on the basis of tolerance. It was during Ashoka’s reign that the Maurya Empire reached its greatest territorial expansion.
Ashoka Biography : Personal life, History, Religion, His Empire
Emperor Ashoka: Discover the fascinating journey of Emperor Ashoka, the legendary Mauryan ruler, in this comprehensive biography. From his early life and ascension to the throne to his transformative conversion to Buddhism and the profound impact of Ashoka’s edicts, explore the legacy of one of ancient India’s most influential figures. Delve into the historical significance of Ashoka’s reign, his contributions to spreading Buddhism, and how his policies shaped the Mauryan Empire and Indian civilization.
In this article, We have covered the Smarat Ashoka Biography, His early Life, Education Spritual Transformation, His Empire and more.
Ashoka’s edicts inscriptions
Table of Content
- Ashoka Biography Overview
- Who was Ashoka?
- Early Life and Education of Ashoka
- Spiritual Transformation of Ashoka
- Mauryan Emperor Ashoka
- Impact of the Kalinga War and Giving Up Violence
- Spread of Buddhism
- Propagation of Dhamma
- Ashoka’s Inscriptions
- Extent of Emperor Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka, the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled a vast empire in the Indian subcontinent from approximately 268 to 232 BCE. Known for his conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War, Ashoka promoted moral governance through his rulings and pillars, advocating principles of non-violence, compassion, and social welfare.
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