Brief Explanation Of Ashoka

ASHOKA

The name of Ashoka is a hallowed one in Indian history. The Ashoka Chakra in our national flag keeps the name of Ashoka high. Ashoka was the son of Bindusara – the great Mauryan king. He was the Viceroy of Ujjain at the time of his father’s death. Buddhist inspirations prove that he had brothers and sisters. Ashoka bestowed care on them.

Ashoka went to war with Kalinga eight years after his accession to the throne. Ashoka fought bravely with the kalingas. His armies overcame the resistance. They defeated the Kalinga armies. But Ashoka was horrified at the massive destruction. Thousands of soldiers were killed and thousands were maimed. The horrible sight changed the heart of Ashoka.

Ashoka became a Buddhist. He built a vast empire. He concentrated on ruling the people with a law of piety. Ashoka launched a welfare schemes. Hospitals were constructed even to animals. A number of wells were dug and choultries built. Trees were planted on both sides of the roads. Ashoka ruled entire India except the extreme south.

Ashoka vowed to propagate Buddhism. He sent his own son and daughter to the neighbouring countries as his emissaries. He got a number of inscriptions and edicts. All these clearly speak about Ashoka’s services to his people and Buddhism. Ashoka convened a council of Buddhist monks. The council discussed the issues relating to the interpretation of the scriptures.

Ashoka gave utmost importance to mortality in life. The rock pillars and inscriptions urge people to obey their elders. “Respect for living creatures” must be enforced. Truth must be spoken. “The teacher must be revered”. Truth and non-violence became the beau ideals of Ashoka’s reign.

He is the world’s first Buddhist ruler who ruled India from 274-232 BCE, was the first ruler in human history to ban slavery, the death penalty, animal cruelty, and deforestation. He even advocated gender equality in education and religious institutions.

All men are my children,

What I desire for my own children,

And I desire their welfare and happiness both in his world and the next that I desire for all men.

You do not understand to what extent I desire this

And if some of you do understand,

You do not understand the full extent of my desire.

                                EMPEROR ASHOKA