Asoka: India’s Greatest King
Chandragupta and the Maurya Empire
In 324 BCE, an Indian king named Chandragupta started to build a great empire. He traveled to
neighboring kingdoms and figured out which ones would be easy to conquer. He only attacked
the neighbors that he could conquer in a day. Over time, he built a large empire in northern
India known as the Maurya Empire.
After Chandragupta died, his son Bindusara took the throne. Bindusara ruled in the same way
his father did. He built a big army and continued to conquer his neighbors. The Maurya Empire
continued to grow.
Over time, Bindusara got sick and had to abdicate, or give up, the throne. People started to fight
over which of Bindusara’s sons should become king. One by one, each of Bindusara’s sons was
assassinated until there was only one left: Asoka. Many historians think that Asoka was
responsible for the murder of his brothers.
Asoka the Warrior
Asoka became emperor in 274 BCE. He ruled with a heavy hand. He executed people for even
the smallest crimes. Asoka had spies throughout his kingdom. They reported to Asoka that the
people were upset with his rule. Asoka was determined to win the support of his people and he
tried to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. He went to war.
Asoka set his sights on the neighboring kingdom of Kalinga. He assembled his large army and
attacked. Asoka and the Mauryans won, but the battle was a bloody one. Hundreds of
thousands of people died. Asoka witnessed the devastation first hand. He was shocked by the
devastation and loss of life. And he realized that he was responsible. It was all his fault.
Asoka’s Transformation
Asoka returned home depressed and dejected. But his life was about to change. He soon heard
of a prisoner in his dungeon who resisted all forms of torture. The prisoner was a Buddhist and
he wouldn’t give up his beliefs regardless of how much he was tortured. Asoka was impressed
with the prisoner. Asoka freed him and started to study Buddhism.
Asoka decided that he would no longer go to war against his neighbors. The Maurya Empire
was large and secure. Asoka had no reason to fear his neighbors. Instead, he turned his
attention to his own kingdom. He decided to win the support of his people through love, not
war.
Asoka worked to improve the life of his people. He built universities, hospitals, roads, canals
and irrigation systems. He treated all of his subjects as equals regardless of their religion,
politics or caste.
Ahisma and Dharma
Over time, Asoka came to believe that all life was sacred. He pursued an official policy of
ahisma, or nonviolence. He became a vegetarian and forbid the unnecessary slaughter or
mutilation of animals. People were no longer allowed to hunt for sport and could no longer
brand their animals.
Asoka promoted the Buddhist interpretation of dharma (dhamma), or duty. He believed that
everyone shared the same dharma. Asoka defined dharma as kind and compassionate behavior,
based on love and respect. He promoted:
 Nonviolence
 Tolerance of all religions and opinions
 Obedience to parents
 Respect for teachers and priests
 Fair treatment of servants
 Generosity towards all
Asoka became a devout Buddhist. He built thousands of stupas, religious monuments, and
viharas, shelters for Buddhist pilgrims. He encouraged the study of teaching of Buddhism, but
he didn’t force people to share his views. Instead, he was tolerant of other beliefs. He led by
example, not by force.
Over time, the smaller neighboring kingdoms learned to trust the Mauryans. Instead of fearing
Asoka, they became his allies.
Asoka’s Edicts
Though Asoka lived over 2000 years ago, his legacy was preserved in stone. Asoka had his
edicts, or announcements, chiseled on pillars and boulders throughout his kingdom. Many of
these pillars were topped with elaborately carved lions or bulls. Many of them also included a
carving of a wheel, the Buddhist symbol of dharma. A sample of Asoka’s edicts follows.
 Happiness in this world and the next is difficult to obtain without much love for the
Dhamma, much self-examination, much respect, much fear (of evil), and much enthusiasm.
 All religions should reside everywhere, for all of them desire self-control and purity of
heart.
 Here no living beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice.
Today, Asoka is considered the greatest monarch of Indian history. He united an empire filled
with people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds under the banners of ahisma and
dharma. Today, Asoka’s famous symbol, the dharma wheel, is proudly displayed at the center
of India’s flag.
Global Studies
Name
Asoka: India’s Greatest King
Identification-- Briefly describe each of the following people or places.
1. Maurya:
2. Chandragupta:
3. Asoka:
Vocabulary-- Define each of the following terms.
4. Ahisma:
5. Dharma:
6. Viharas:
7. Edicts:
Short Answer-- Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
8. What event marked a turning point in Asoka’s life?
9. What religion influenced Asoka’s beliefs?
10. Why is Asoka remembered as India’s greatest king?
11. What symbol is associated with Asoka? How is it remembered by Indians today?