Ashoka the Great
Learn about Ashoka — the Mauryan emperor who renounced violence after the conquest of Kalinga and became one of history's most remarkable advocates of peace.
Ashoka (r. c. 268–232 BCE) is one of the most unusual figures in the history of political power. As emperor of the Maurya dynasty, he ruled the largest empire in Indian history — then, after a devastating war, renounced conquest and dedicated himself to spreading dhamma (moral conduct, compassion, and nonviolence) throughout his realm.
The turning point was the conquest of Kalinga (modern Odisha) around 261 BCE. Ashoka's own rock edicts describe the aftermath: 100,000 people killed, 150,000 deported, and many times that number dead from the war's aftereffects. The inscription records his remorse: 'His Majesty felt deep sadness and regret.' This was not merely ritual piety — Ashoka followed through with a genuine transformation of policy.
After Kalinga, Ashoka promoted dhamma through edicts carved on rocks and pillars across his empire — making him the first ruler in history to communicate directly with his subjects through inscriptions. He advocated religious tolerance, respect for all living beings, honest governance, and care for the sick and elderly. He sent Buddhist missionaries as far as Sri Lanka, Egypt, and the Greek kingdoms. Ashoka's pillared edicts, with their lion capitals, became the symbol of the Indian Republic — his legacy enduring over two millennia after his death.