Ashoka: Early Life, Conquest of Kalinga, Buddhism, Dhamma, Ashokan Pillar, Mauryan Empire

Dharma is a complicated idea in ancient Indian philosophy, the Pali form, Dhamma, is used by Ashoka the Great in his edicts to convey social norms and ethical principles. Historians have debated Ashoka's relationship with Buddhism. Some, like V.A. Smith, believe Ashoka was both a Buddhist monk and a monarch simultaneously. D.R. Bhandarkar claims Ashoka was a Buddhist, and his Dharma policy was rooted in original Buddhist teachings. Scholars like Nayanjot Lahiri and Romila Thapar argue that Ashoka's Dharma, while influenced by Buddhism, stands apart from Buddhist ideas.

---

Key Highlights 

• Ashoka was the third ruler of the Maurya dynasty, succeeding his father Bindusara to the throne around 268 BCE.
• Ashoka's reign saw the expansion of the Mauryan Empire to its greatest extent, covering almost the entire Indian subcontinent except for the southern tip.
• Ashoka converted to Buddhism after seeing the devastation of the Kalinga War. 
• He spread the principles of Dhamma (righteousness) throughout his reign. 
• Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries, known as Dhamma Mahamatras, to promote Buddhism throughout Asia.

Emperor Ashoka

---

Mauryan Empire - A Brief Overview

The Mauryan Empire (322 BCE - 185 BCE) was a vast and powerful empire that ruled most of ancient India. At its apex, the Mauryan Empire extended from present-day Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan in the west to Bangladesh and the Indian state of Assam in the east, and Kashmir in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south.

• Chandragupta Maurya around 322 BCE established the Mauryan Empire after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. 
• Bindusara, Chandragupta's son, expanded the empire further by conquering new areas in northern and central India.
• Ashoka, Chandragupta's grandson, is one of the best-known Mauryan emperors. His reign (268-232 BCE) is widely regarded as the empire's golden period. Following the horrific Kalinga War, he abandoned violence and adopted Buddhism, preaching religious tolerance and nonviolence throughout his kingdom.

---

Ashoka’s Early Life

Ashoka was born in 304 BCE in the Maurya Empire's capital, Pataliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar, India). He was the son of Emperor Bindusara and Queen Dharma (also called Devi). His father, Bindusara, was the second Mauryan emperor, succeeding his father, Chandragupta Maurya. Following Bindusara's death in 272 BCE, Ashoka and his brothers engaged in a power struggle to secure the throne. He eventually won and became the third Mauryan emperor.

---

Conquest of Kalinga

• When Chandragupta rebelled against the last Nanda ruler, Kalinga proclaimed her independence.
• Chandragupta Maurya and his son Bindusara did not attempt to restore Kalinga to the Magadha empire.
• Asoka invaded Kalinga in 261 B.C. and successfully occupied it.
• The Kalinga War in 261 B.C. resulted in massive casualties: around 100,000 were killed, 150,000 were taken captive, and many more died afterward.
• Asoka, deeply moved by the bloodshed, converted to Buddhism.
• Asoka annexed the coastal region of Kalinga to his empire but abandoned further conquest, aiming for conciliation.
• The administration included a Kumara (Viceroy) in Tosali and a high executive officer called Rajavachanika in Samapa.
• Buddhism flourished under Asoka's patronage and became the state religion.
• Asoka's principles were engraved on Dhauli and Jaugada rocks to spread his administration and religious ideals.

The Kalinga War marked an important moment in Ashoka's life. He was severely affected by the war's brutality. Ashoka rejected violence and adopted Buddhist beliefs, marking a fundamental shift in his policies.

---

Samrat Ahsoka and Buddhism

After witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga War, Ashoka underwent a profound transformation, renouncing violence and embracing Buddhism.

Patronage and Propagation of Buddhism:

• Supported and expanded Buddhism in the Mauryan Empire.
• Sponsored the construction of stupas, viharas, and Buddhist monuments.
• Sent missions to propagate Buddhism across India and beyond.
• Patronized Buddhist councils to preserve and clarify teachings.
• Established close ties between the state and the Buddhist sangha.
• Built stupas, viharas, chaityas, and residences for monks.
• Sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

---

Lion Capital, Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath

The Ashokan pillar in Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first speech, is iconic in Indian history and serves as the national emblem. The Lion Capital, currently housed in a museum, has a lotus base, a drum with animals representing cardinal directions and rivers, and four lions facing each direction, representing Buddha's teachings spreading over the region. The lion represents both Buddhism and royalty. Originally, a wheel was put on top of the lions. The pillar's inscription represents the cycle of samsara and the promise of the Eightfold Path. Lions signify Buddha, while the chakra at the top represents liberation from samsara. The building represents progress toward Enlightenment, comparable to meditating on a stupa.

---

King Ashoka’s Death and Legacy

Great Ashoka died in 232 BC at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna). Ashoka is recognized as one of ancient India's greatest emperors because of his public welfare initiatives. He developed the Dhamma and encouraged all, including his subjects, to practice it. He was the last prominent ruler of India's Mauryan dynasty. During his reign, he actively promoted Buddhism, which helped to spread the religion throughout India and beyond.