Emperor Ashoka: The Inspiring Transformation from Violence to Greatness
Did you know that there was a king who gave up violence after witnessing the deaths of thousands of people and later earned a place among the greatest rulers in world history? Let us learn about his life and understand how a cruel and ruthless ruler transformed into one of the greatest emperors of all time. This king was none other than Emperor Ashoka. Let us now explore his life story.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 345 BCE | Birth of Chandragupta Maurya |
| 322 - 298 BCE | Establishment of the Mauryan Dynasty |
| 298 - 272 BCE | Bindusara |
| 304 BCE | Birth of Ashoka |
| 272 - 232 BCE | Reign of Ashoka |
| 261 BCE | Kalinga War |
| Later | Adoption of Buddhism |
| 232 BCE | Death of Ashoka |
Who Was Emperor Ashoka?
The establishment of the Mauryan Empire in the fourth century BCE marked the beginning of a new historical era in India. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, was born in 345 BCE at Pipalivana (present-day Nepal) to a leader of the Maurya clan. With the guidance and support of his teacher Vishnugupta (Chanakya), he defeated Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, and established the Mauryan Empire.
After Chandragupta, his son Bindusara became the ruler of Magadha and governed from 298 BCE to 272 BCE. Following him, Ashoka, one of the most powerful rulers of ancient India, came to power. During his father's reign, Ashoka served as the governor of Ujjain. His mother was Queen Dharma (Subhadrangi). He was formally crowned in 269 BCE.
Childhood of Emperor Ashoka
Ashoka, born in 304 BCE, had a disciplined and rigorous upbringing. As a prince of the Mauryan Empire, he received extensive training in politics, administration, and military warfare from an early age. He became highly skilled in sword fighting, spear throwing, horse riding, and military strategy.
Why Was His Coronation Delayed?
According to some historical accounts and legends, Ashoka’s coronation was delayed because of a prolonged struggle with his elder brother Susima and other stepbrothers that lasted nearly four years.
One popular story states that their father decided to test the abilities of both brothers. He announced a horse race through a forest, and the brother who reached the kingdom first would become king.
At sunrise, the competition began. Susima moved ahead and, in an attempt to defeat Ashoka, used a trick. He tied forest vines across the path. When Ashoka rode through the area, he fell from his horse and was seriously injured.
Realizing that winning the race in the usual way would be difficult, Ashoka used his intelligence. He found a shorter route by crossing a mountain on foot and eventually reached the kingdom before Susima. Due to such struggles and conflicts, his coronation was delayed.
Why Did the Kalinga War Take Place?
During the early years of his reign, Ashoka was known for being harsh and ruthless. Kalinga (present-day Odisha), located near Magadha, had once been part of the Magadhan Empire during the rule of the Nanda kings. However, it had become independent during the establishment of the Mauryan Empire.
Ashoka was determined to bring Kalinga back under Mauryan control. Therefore, in 261 BCE, he declared war against King Jayanta of Kalinga. Because of his aggressive nature during this period, Ashoka became known as “Chand Ashoka” or “Ashoka the Fierce.”
The Kalinga War and His Transformation
The war ended with Ashoka’s victory. After the battle, Ashoka and his companions visited the battlefield to witness the aftermath.
The scene filled him with deep sorrow and grief. He saw the devastating consequences of war. Historical records suggest that around 100,000 people lost their lives, while nearly 150,000 people were taken captive.
He witnessed grieving families, widows, and children mourning the loss of their loved ones. The suffering of innocent people deeply affected him. Hearing their cries and witnessing the destruction caused him immense emotional pain.
The Kalinga War became the last war of his life. After this experience, Ashoka came under the influence of the Buddhist monk Upagupta and embraced Buddhism. He abandoned violence, laid down his weapons, and devoted himself to the path of peace, morality, and compassion. Thus, a powerful warrior transformed into a follower of righteousness.
Ashoka’s Edicts and Pillars
Ashoka had numerous inscriptions engraved on rocks and pillars throughout his empire to spread his message among the people. One such inscription is located at the foothills of Mount Girnar in Junagadh, Gujarat.
These inscriptions were written in Prakrit using scripts such as Brahmi so that ordinary people could easily understand them. Through these edicts, Ashoka emphasized that winning people’s hearts through morality and righteousness was far better than conquering them through war.
He also declared that neither he nor his descendants should engage in unnecessary wars in the future.
Near Damodar Kund in Junagadh stands one of Ashoka’s famous rock inscriptions, approximately 12 feet high. It contains fourteen moral edicts promoting ethical conduct, medical care, respect for all religions, kindness toward living beings, and welfare of the people.
These inscriptions reflect Ashoka’s commitment to public welfare, humanity, and moral governance, which earned him the title of “Ashoka the Great.”
Another significant monument associated with Ashoka is the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath. At its top stands the famous Lion Capital featuring four lions. Today, it serves as the National Emblem of India.
Below the Lion Capital is the Ashoka Chakra, which symbolizes righteousness and moral principles. The Ashoka Chakra also appears at the center of the Indian National Flag.
Why Is Ashoka Known as “Ashoka the Great”?
Ashoka’s greatest ambition was not merely to unite India under a vast empire but to create a peaceful and welfare-oriented state that would stand as an example in human history.
Ashoka’s Contributions as a Promoter of Dharma
Peace and Non-Violence:
He discouraged violence, promoted compassion toward all living beings, and emphasized the value of non-violence.
Public Welfare:
He built roads, encouraged tree plantation, and established hospitals, rest houses, and shelters for the welfare of his people.
Spread of Buddhism:
To spread Buddhist teachings, he sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
According to some historical accounts, Ashoka secured power through violent struggles, including conflicts with his brothers. However, his transformation after the Kalinga War remains one of the most inspiring stories in history.
His journey from a ruthless and warlike ruler to a compassionate and peace-loving emperor demonstrates that people can learn from their mistakes and change for the better.
Emperor Ashoka passed away in 232 BCE at the age of 72. His life teaches us that even a person known for cruelty can become truly great by recognizing his mistakes and dedicating himself to the welfare of humanity.
