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Summary
Chapter 4 covers the Mauryan Empire, a significant period in Indian history. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BC, the empire marked the consolidation of large territories under a centralized government. Chandragupta overthrew the Nanda dynasty and defeated Greek satraps, expanding his empire across much of the Indian subcontinent. His son, Bindusara, maintained and expanded these territories.
The chapter highlights Ashoka, Chandragupta’s grandson, whose reign is noted for its moral and religious transformation following the Kalinga War. Initially a ruthless conqueror, the devastation of the war profoundly affected Ashoka, leading him to renounce violence and embrace Buddhism. Ashoka’s rule thereafter focused on promoting dharma (moral law) and non-violence, evidenced through his numerous edicts carved on rocks and pillars across his empire. These edicts provide valuable insights into his policies and the state’s administration.
Sources of information on the Mauryan Empire include literary works like the Arthashastra by Chanakya, which details governance and political strategies, and Indika by Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador who documented his observations of India under Chandragupta. Archaeological sources such as Ashoka’s edicts and structures like the Sanchi Stupa, built by Ashoka, offer additional historical insights. The Sanchi Stupa, a Buddhist monument, symbolizes spiritual significance and houses relics of Buddha.
The chapter also details the administration under the Mauryas, which was highly centralized with a strong military and a well-organized civil structure. Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism influenced his governance, focusing on welfare and moral upliftment rather than military conquest. His promotion of Buddhism led to its spread beyond India, notably through missionaries sent to regions like Sri Lanka. The Mauryan administration’s efficient tax system and infrastructure developments, including roads and hospitals, contributed to the empire’s prosperity.
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Chandragupta Maurya established a vast empire overthrowing
A. Guptas and Chalukyas
B. Nandas and Greek Satraps
C. Rashtrakutas and Nandas
D. Greek Satraps and Guptas
Answer: B. Nandas and Greek Satraps
2. Which of the following is correct?
A. Bindusara: Slayer of foes
B. Chandragupta: The most beautiful one
C. Bindusara: Favourite of gods
D. Ashoka: The greatest one
Answer: A. Bindusara: Slayer of foes
3. Ashoka abandoned and embraced
A. Bherigosha, Digvijay
B. Dhammagosha, Bherigosha
C. Bherigosha, Dhammagosha
D. Dhammagosha, Digvijay
Answer: C. Bherigosha, Dhammagosha
4. Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the Kalinga War?
A. Ashoka abandoned the life of luxury
B. Increased agricultural output
C. Increased military preparedness
D. Increased Buddhist missionary activity
Answer: C. Increased military preparedness
5. What was an advantage of the Mauryan administration having a pan-Indian character?
A. More attention paid to socio-economic life of people
B. Increased uprising in small provinces
C. Increased area to be protected from foreign invaders
D. All of the above
Answer: A. More attention paid to socio-economic life of people
6. Which of the following were provinces in the Mauryan Empire?
A. Magadha, Avanti, Kalinga and Cholamandalam
B. Magadha, Gandhara, Avanti, Kalinga and Southern Province
C. Magadha, Takshila, Ujjain and Tosali
D. None of the above
Answer: C. Magadha, Takshila, Ujjain and Tosali
7. Which of the following were officers in the Provincial Government?
A. Purohit, Senapati, Sannidhata, Samaharta
B. Mahamatra, Prashika, Rajuka, Yukta
C. Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta
D. Bali, Bhaga
Answer: C. Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century B.C.
(B) Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by Ashoka.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) provides historical information about the founding of the Mauryan Empire by Chandragupta Maurya. Statement (B) provides information about his succession by Ashoka. These statements describe two separate facts and do not depend on each other for validation. Therefore, the correct relationship is that they are independent of each other.
2. (A) Most of the Ashokan Edicts are engraved in the Brahmi lipi, written from left to right.
(B) The Ashokan edicts provide a useful insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) details the script and orientation of Ashokan edicts, while Statement (B) speaks to the content and significance of those edicts. Both statements are accurate but describe different aspects of the edicts. Therefore, these statements are independent of each other.
3. (A) In pursuance of his policy of non-violence, Ashoka prohibited the killing of animals for sacrifices.
(B) After the Kalinga war, Ashoka made a resolve not to take up arms and to shun violence.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A).
Explanation: Statement (B) mentions Ashoka’s resolve to embrace non-violence after the Kalinga war, which directly led to Statement (A), his prohibition of animal sacrifices. Therefore, (B) provides the reason for (A).
4. (A) The Buddhist Stupa represents the spiritual body of Buddha containing his relics like hair, teeth, or bones.
(B) Buddha is represented by symbols like the peepal tree, lotus, or wheel on the Sanchi Stupa.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) refers to the function of a Buddhist Stupa, while Statement (B) refers to how Buddha is symbolically represented on the Sanchi Stupa. Both statements are accurate but describe different aspects of Buddhist monuments. Therefore, they are independent of each other.
5. (A) Chandragupta Maurya defeated Greek general Seleucus.
(B) The Greek historian Athenacus called Ashoka a ‘slayer of foes.’
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) discusses a historical event involving Chandragupta Maurya, while Statement (B) references an observation made about Ashoka by a Greek historian. These statements refer to different rulers and events, so they are independent of each other.
6. (A) The land revenue was the chief source of income in the Mauryan empire.
(B) Bhaga was a religious tribute in the Mauryan empire.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (B) is false.
Explanation: Statement (A) is accurate as land revenue was indeed the primary source of income in the Mauryan Empire. However, Statement (B) is incorrect because Bhaga was not a religious tribute; it was actually a tax on agricultural produce. Therefore, (A) is true but (B) is false.
Short Answer Questions
1. State any two sources of information about the Mauryan Empire.
Answer: Arthashastra and Indika.
2. Who wrote Arthashastra? What is its importance?
Answer: Arthashastra was written by Kautilya, also known as Vishnugupta and Chanakya. It is important as it is a comprehensive manual that deals with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles of administration, and other such political topics.
3. What is the importance of Ashoka’s edicts?
Answer: The edicts of Ashoka form the most important source of Mauryan history. They are the oldest, best-preserved, and precisely dated records of India. The inscriptions on these edicts provide a useful insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about the history of the Mauryas in general.
4. Who wrote the Indika? What does it contain?
Answer: Indika was written by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador at the court of Chandragupta Maurya. It contains his impressions of what he heard and saw during his stay in India.
5. What is a stupa? Name one stupa built by Ashoka.
Answer: A stupa is a semi-spherical solid dome-like structure made of unburnt bricks and stones, which represents the spiritual body of Buddha containing his relics. One stupa built by Ashoka is the Sanchi Stupa.
6. How did Chandragupta Maurya establish the Mauryan dynasty?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan dynasty by overthrowing the Nandas from Magadha and the Greek Satraps from the North-West Frontier, and unifying a large part of the Indian subcontinent under his centralized government.
7. What is the importance of the Kalinga war in the personal life of Ashoka?
Answer: The Kalinga war brought about a great change in the personal and political life of Ashoka. He abandoned the policy of ‘conquest by force’ (bherigosha) and embraced the policy of religion (Dhammagosha). He also stopped hunting and eating meat, abandoned the life of luxury, and embraced Buddhism.
8. What was the impact of Ashoka embracing the policy of Dhammagosha?
Answer: The impact of Ashoka embracing the policy of Dhammagosha included the abandonment of war, the decline in military preparedness and efficiency, the spread of Buddhism, and the construction of several pillars and edicts to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
9. Name the two taxes mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka.
Answer: The two taxes mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka are Bali and Bhaga.
10. How did the king keep himself abreast with whatever was happening in his kingdom?
Answer: The king kept himself abreast with whatever was happening in his kingdom through a wide network of spies. There were spies against the spies, and on important matters, more than one agent was asked to collect information.
11. What is meant by Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Answer: Ashoka’s Dhamma is not a religion or religious system, but a ‘Moral Law’, ‘a Common Code of Conduct’, or an ‘Ethical Order’, which is a common meeting ground of all religions. It includes principles like respect for elders and love for children, Ahimsa or non-violence, and the respect for all religions.
12. Give the basic principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Answer: The basic principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma are:
- Respect for elders and love for children.
- Ahimsa or non-violence.
- Good deeds or good karma would give happiness to man in the next birth.
- He taught people to respect all religions.
- He disapproved of empty rituals.
13. What was the impact of Dhamma on Ashoka’s policies?
Answer: The impact of Dhamma on Ashoka’s policies included religious unity among people of different religions, an increase in moral values, a decrease in crimes, and the promotion of public welfare and public work schemes, leading to prosperity and a peaceful life for the people.
Structured Questions
1. With reference to the sources of information on the Mauryan Empire, explain briefly the significance of the following:
(a) Arthashastra
Answer: The most important literary source on the history of the Mauryas is the Arthashastra, written by Kautilya, also known as Vishnugupta and Chanakya. He was the advisor and Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya. The Arthashastra is written in Sanskrit. It is a comprehensive manual that deals with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles of administration, and other such political topics. This book was discovered in 1909, and its English translation is now available.
(b) Indika
Answer: Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote a book named Indika, which recorded his observations of India. Though the original Indika is lost, fragments remain in the works of later Greek authors like Strabo, Arrian, and Diodorus. Megasthenes described the emperor’s public appearances, noting grand royal processions where the emperor was carried in a golden palanquin, guarded by soldiers on elephants adorned with gold and silver. He mentioned that the emperor was surrounded by armed women, feared assassination, had special servants taste his food, and never slept in the same room two nights in a row.
(c) Sanchi Stupa
Answer: A stupa is a semi-spherical solid dome-like structure made of unburnt bricks and stones. The Buddhist stupa has special significance. It represents the spiritual body of Buddha, containing his relics such as hair, teeth, or bones. A casket containing these relics is placed at the base of the dome. The foundation of the Sanchi Stupa was laid by Ashoka at Sanchi, about 45 km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. There are four gateways in four directions. They have carved panels depicting events from the life of Buddha and some tales from Jataka stories. Buddha is represented by symbols like the peepal tree, lotus, or a wheel. The pillars are surmounted by capitals which contain sculptures of lions. The most important of these capitals is the Lion Capital, a sculpture showing four Asiatic lions standing back to back, on an elaborate base that includes other animals. It was officially adopted as the Emblem of India in 1950.
2. With reference to Mauryan Empire, answer the following questions:
(a) Give a brief account of how Chandragupta established the Mauryan Empire.
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire. Little is known about his childhood, but according to legend, he was dismissed from the service of the Nandas, who ruled before him. He met Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, at Takshila. Kautilya, who was wronged by the Nandas, joined forces with Chandragupta to overthrow them. After a series of battles, the Nanda capital at Pataliputra fell, leading to the rise of the Mauryan dynasty with Chandragupta as emperor. Following Alexander’s death, Chandragupta took control of his territories in the North-Western part of India. In 305 BC, Chandragupta defeated Seleucus, a former general of Alexander, gaining territories including Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Baluchistan. Seleucus also gave his daughter Helen in marriage to Chandragupta. After securing these regions, Chandragupta expanded his empire to the south, capturing more territories. His empire extended from Kabul and Kandahar in the North-West to Mysore in the south, and from Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west. According to Jain tradition, after ruling for 24 years, he renounced the world and handed over the kingdom to his son, Bindusara.
(b) Give a brief account of the Kalinga war and its consequences.
Answer: After ascending the throne, Ashoka fought the famous Kalinga War. The ruler of Kalinga had a powerful army comprising infantry, cavalry, and elephants, according to Megasthenes, the Greek historian at the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Ashoka faced tough resistance. According to Rock Edict XIII, both sides suffered losses, but the people of Kalinga suffered the most. Though Ashoka won the war, it had profound consequences for him and his empire. The death and destruction caused by the war led to a significant change in Ashoka’s personal and political life. He abandoned the policy of ‘conquest by force’ (bherighosha) and the ambition of ‘victory in all directions’ (Digvijay) and embraced the policy of religion (Dhammagosha). The Kalinga War changed Ashoka’s personal life; he stopped hunting, eating meat, and abandoned a life of luxury. Prisoners of war were used for agricultural work, resulting in increased production and economic prosperity in his empire. Ashoka personally toured to preach Buddhism and sent missionaries to various parts of the world, including his daughter Sanghamitra and son Mahindra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism. After the war, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and incorporated Buddhist principles like non-violence and disapproval of empty rituals into his State Policy. He erected several pillars and edicts to spread Buddhist teachings, ordered the construction of 84,000 Stupas to keep the relics of Buddha, and donated to Buddhist viharas. The abandonment of war also led to a decline in military preparedness and efficiency.
(c) Name four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage during the Mauryan times.
- Ashoka himself went on tours to preach Buddhism to people.
- He sent his daughter, Sanghamitra, and son, Mahindra, to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
- Ashoka erected several pillars and edicts to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
- He ordered the construction of 84,000 Stupas to keep the relics of Buddha.
3. With reference to Mauryan administration, answer the following questions:
(a) Why is Chandragupta Maurya regarded as the chief architect of the system of administration?
Answer: It was Chandragupta Maurya, under the guidance of Chanakya, who laid the foundations of an elaborate system of administration. Chanakya wrote a book ‘Arthashastra’ in which he describes the principles of politics and the art of administration. Chandragupta’s son Bindusara retained the same system and Ashoka made some changes necessitated by the change of heart after the Kalinga War.
(b) Briefly describe the main features of civil and military administration under Mauryan rule.
Answer: The Mauryan civil administration was divided into the Central Government and the Provincial Government, both centralized and managed by officers of various ranks. The king, whose throne was hereditary, held supreme authority and served as the highest judge. At the central level, he was assisted by the council of ministers (Mantri Parishad), led by the Prime Minister. Key ministers included the Purohit (chief priest), Senapati (military advisor), Sannidhata (head treasurer), and Samaharta (taxation expert), among others overseeing agriculture, mines, ports, commerce, and weights and measures.
Provinces were governed by a Kumar or Aryaputra, typically a prince, with support from a Governor (Mahamatra) during Ashoka’s reign. Other officers like Pradeshika, Rajuka (revenue officer), and Yukta (treasurer) managed districts, known as Janapadas. Major cities had their own administration, headed by a Nagaradhyaksha.
The Mauryan army included infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots, with an estimated strength of 600,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, and 9,000 elephants, as reported by Megasthenes. The king was the commander-in-chief, with the army managed by a thirty-member military commission. Soldiers were recruited through a systematic policy and paid in cash. The empire was fortified with strategically placed forts for security.
(c) Explain briefly the Pan-Indian character of Mauryan administration.
Answer: The Mauryan empire, beginning with Chandragupta Maurya, was vast, with an all-India character. Seleucus, whom Chandragupta defeated in war, had handed him four provinces of Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Baluchistan. These remained with the Mauryan empire right up to the end of Ashoka’s rule. During Bindusara’s rule, Ashoka reached Takshila and quelled the revolt there. After Bindusara had established his rule over South India, no other king ever ruled over the whole of India. The fact that Chandragupta Maurya spent his last years at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka speaks volumes about the all-India character of the Mauryan empire. The chief advantages of the Pan-Indian character of his empire were the following: (a) It marked the end of small states. (b) It helped in establishing trade links with foreign countries. (c) It made India strong and helped the Mauryan kings face foreign aggressions successfully. (d) After Ashoka’s victory over Kalinga, the era of conquests and wars was over. It helped the Mauryan kings to pay more attention to the social and economic life of the people. Hence, there was an all-round economic prosperity.
4. With reference to the Mauryan administration, write short notes on the following:
(a) The Central Government
Answer: The Mauryan government was centralised and was managed by several officers of different ranks. The king was the supreme authority, and his throne was hereditary. He was also the supreme judge. At the central level, the king was assisted by the council of ministers (Mantri Parishad) headed by the Prime Minister. Each minister was responsible for his department. The council of ministers included the chief Pujari of the state called Purohit, Senapati, who advised the king on matters related to war and peace, the head treasurer called Sannidhata, and Samaharta, the taxation expert. The other important officers were Accountant General, one in charge of agriculture, Superintendent of mines, Superintendent of Ports, Controller of Commerce, as well as the Superintendent of Weights and Measures.
(b) District Administration
Answer: The provinces were divided into districts called Janapadas. Their administration was looked after by Pradeshika, Rajuka, and Yukta. Important cities, the capitals of provinces, had their own administrative system. The head of the city was called Nagaradhyaksha. According to Megasthenes, the administration of Pataliputra, the capital city of the Mauryan empire, was looked after by a committee of 30 members.
(c) Revenue system
Answer: The land revenue was the chief source of income in the Mauryan empire. It was one-sixth to one-fourth of the produce. Two kinds of taxes, namely Bali and Bhaga, are mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka. Bhaga was levied on agricultural produce and cattle at the rate of one-sixth. According to historians Vincent Smith and Shamashastri, Bali was a religious tribute. Toll tax was imposed on articles that were brought for sale. Taxes were levied on liquor shops and gambling houses. Some taxes were collected from forests and mines. From the revenue collected, the state provided various facilities like roads, irrigation, hospitals, and met other expenses of the state.
5. Study the Ashokan Edict given on the right and answer the following questions:
(a) What is an edict? Where are these edicts inscribed?
Answer: An edict is a decree issued by a Sovereign. The edicts of Ashoka form the most important source of Mauryan history. They are inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout the country.
(b) What is the significance of edicts as a source of information?
Answer: The edicts of Ashoka are the oldest, best-preserved, and precisely dated records of India. These edicts provide a useful insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about the history of the Mauryas in general.
(c) Explain briefly the importance of Ashoka’s edicts, giving an example from one of his edicts.
Answer: The most important event of Ashoka’s reign was the conquest of Kalinga. The indescribable sufferings and atrocities of the Kalinga war deeply touched Ashoka’s conscience, and he made a solemn resolve not to take up arms anymore. The war drum (bherighosha) was silenced forever, and henceforth were heard only the echoes of ‘Dhammaghosha’, the call to non-violence and universal peace.
6. Study the picture given on the right and answer the following questions:
(a) Name the structure given in the picture. Name the dynasty and the king who built it.
Answer: The structure given in the picture is the Sanchi Stupa. It was built by the Mauryan dynasty, under the reign of Ashoka.
(b) Where is it located? Mention any two architectural features of this structure.
Answer: It is located at Sanchi, about 45 km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Two architectural features of this structure are: 1. The stupa is a semi-spherical solid dome-like structure made of unburnt bricks and stones. 2. There are four gateways in four directions, which have carved panels depicting events from the life of Buddha and some tales from Jataka stories.
(c) What is the significance of a Buddhist Stupa?
Answer: The Buddhist stupa has special significance. It represents the spiritual body of Buddha containing his relics such as hair, teeth, or bones. A casket containing these relics is placed at the base of the dome.
Thinking Skills
1. Imagine that you met a person, whose family suffered the consequences of the Kalinga War waged by Ashoka. Describe the horrors of the war as told by him. State the differences which you find between the Kalinga War and the modern warfare.
Answer: The horrors of the Kalinga War as told by the person whose family suffered were harrowing. He described how the battlefield was littered with countless bodies, and the air was thick with the stench of death. Families were torn apart, with men, women, and children suffering alike. Homes were destroyed, and the once fertile land was drenched in blood. The war left an indelible scar on the people of Kalinga, as they witnessed their loved ones being slaughtered and their livelihoods shattered. Unlike modern warfare, which often involves advanced technology and weapons, the Kalinga War was fought with swords, spears, and arrows, leading to brutal hand-to-hand combat. Modern warfare, with its use of firearms, bombs, and drones, often results in mass casualties with less direct contact between combatants. Moreover, while modern wars can be fought over long distances and often involve international coalitions, the Kalinga War was a localized conflict with devastating effects on a single region.
2. Explain the symbolism preached by the sculpture on the Emblem of India.
Answer: The sculpture on the Emblem of India, which is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka, preaches several symbols of significance. The four lions, standing back to back, symbolize power, courage, confidence, and pride. They represent the all-pervading nature of Dharma (righteousness) in all directions. Below the lions, the wheel (Ashoka Chakra) represents the eternal wheel of law, which implies that justice shall prevail as the ultimate law of the land. The bull on the left and the horse on the right represent hard work and loyalty, respectively. The inclusion of these animals along with the wheel signifies the balanced and harmonious relationship between different aspects of life. The entire emblem is a reflection of India’s commitment to truth, non-violence, and justice as the guiding principles of governance.
3. You are given an opportunity to pen the text of an Ashokan Edict. Briefly list what would you write.
Answer: If given the opportunity to pen the text of an Ashokan Edict, I would write about the importance of compassion, non-violence, and respect for all living beings. The edict would stress the need for harmony among people of different beliefs and the importance of moral conduct in daily life. I would encourage the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, urging people to avoid empty rituals and superstitions. The edict would also call for the protection of the environment and the preservation of natural resources, emphasizing the responsibility of each individual to contribute to the welfare of society. Finally, the edict would underline the importance of justice and fairness in governance, with a focus on the welfare of the subjects, especially the poor and the weak.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
A. Bindusara
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Ashoka
D. Seleucus Nicator
Answer: B. Chandragupta Maurya
51. What was the impact of Ashoka’s Dhamma on the administration?
A. Increased taxation
B. Religious persecution
C. Public welfare programs
D. Military expansion
Answer: C. Public welfare programs
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. Who founded the Mauryan empire?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya.
57. Discuss the transformative effects of the Kalinga War on Ashoka’s policies, governance, and legacy.
Answer: The Kalinga War marked a turning point in Ashoka’s life and reign, profoundly transforming his policies, governance, and legacy. The war, fought shortly after Ashoka ascended the throne, was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the time, resulting in massive loss of life and widespread suffering, particularly among the people of Kalinga. The Rock Edict-XIII vividly describes the horrors of the war and the deep regret it instilled in Ashoka. This traumatic experience led to a complete transformation in his approach to governance. Abandoning the policy of conquest by force, known as bherigosha, Ashoka adopted the policy of Dhammagosha, which emphasized moral and ethical governance based on Buddhist principles. He renounced further military aggression and focused on the welfare of his subjects, promoting values such as non-violence (Ahimsa), respect for all religions, and compassion for all living beings. This shift was not only reflected in his personal life, where he gave up hunting, meat-eating, and luxury, but also in his administrative policies. Ashoka appointed Mahamatras to oversee the welfare of the people and implemented public welfare projects such as the construction of roads, hospitals, and rest houses. Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism became a central theme of his reign, as he actively promoted the religion across his empire and beyond. He erected numerous pillars and edicts throughout his empire to communicate his policies and the teachings of Buddhism to his people. He also sent missionaries, including his son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra, to propagate Buddhism in other regions, most notably in Sri Lanka. Ashoka’s legacy is largely defined by this transformation, as he is remembered not just as a great conqueror, but as a ruler who prioritized the moral and spiritual well-being of his people. His policies laid the foundation for a more humane and ethical form of governance, influencing not only his empire but also the broader history of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War and his commitment to Dhamma left an indelible mark on history, making him one of the most revered figures in ancient Indian history.
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