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Essay on Ashoka | Ashoka Essay for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by sastry

Essay on Ashoka:  In the annals of the world history, there have been many kings, but none greater than Ashoka. Popularly known as ‘Devanampriya Priyadarsi’ (He who is the beloved of the Gods and who regards everyone amiably), he reigned over most of India, South Asia and beyond. His story tells us that religion can act as a powerful force for the redemption of a human being. According to Buddhist traditions, Ashoka was born as the son of the Mauryan emperor Bindusara by a relatively lower ranked queen named Dharma. The Avadana texts mention that his mother was queen Subhadrangi. He was the grandson of another great king and the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, Chandragupta Maurya. But defying all odds, young Ashoka excelled in military and academic disciplines. There was a great deal of sibling rivalry, especially between Ashoka and his brother Sushim, both as warriors and as administrators.

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Long and Short Essays on Ashoka for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Ashoka’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on Ashoka of 400-500 words. This long essay about Ashoka is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Ashoka of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Ashoka 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Ashoka of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

An impeccable warrior general and a shrewd statesman, Ashoka was very popular. He was a fearsome hunter, and according to a legend, killed a lion with just a wooden rod. His growing popularity made his elder brothers wary of his chances of being favoured by Bindusara to become the next emperor. The eldest of them, Prince Sushim, persuaded Bindusara to send Ashoka to Takshashila to quell an uprising. But as news of Ashoka’s visit with his army trickled in, he was welcomed by the revolting militias and the uprising ended without a fight. Some more incitements from Sushim led his father to send Ashoka into exile. So, he went to Kalinga and stayed there incognito for many years. Meanwhile, there was a violent uprising in Ujjain. Emperor Bindusara summoned Ashoka back. Ashoka went to Ujjain and was injured in the ensuing battle, but his generals continued the fight. Ashoka was treated in hiding by Buddhist monks and nuns. This is where he first learnt the teachings of Buddha. In the meantime, Ashoka’s father was taken ill.

A clique of ministers lead by Radhagupta, summoned Ashoka to take the crown. As the Buddhist lore goes, in a fit of rage, Ashoka attacked Patliputra and killed all his brothers and threw their bodies into a well. At this stage, many called him ‘Chandashoka’ meaning murderer and heartless Ashoka.

Brave and full of valour, after ascending the throne, Ashoka expanded the boundaries of his empire. At this point, he was called ‘Chakravarti’ which means ‘he for whom the wheel of law turns’. However, the conquest of Kalinga turned the wheel of fortune for him. As the tale goes, Kalinga gave official refuge to Ashoka’s enemy (probably one of his brothers). This enraged Ashoka and he asked Kalinga’s royalty to submit before his supremacy. When they defied this dictat, Ashoka sent one of his generals to make Kalinga submit to his supremacy.

However, Ashoka’s general and his forces were completely routed. Baffled by this defeat, Ashoka attacked with the greatest invasion ever recorded in the Indian history till then. The whole of Kalinga was plundered and destroyed. After this devastation, Ashoka was left speechless. While he was walking through the battlefields of Kalinga after his conquest, he saw thousands of dead bodies lying there and the wailing of people. He was constantly haunted by his deeds in Kalinga. The repentance at the brutality of the conquest led him to embrace Buddhism. He undertook a 256-day pilgrimage to holy places of Buddhism in North India. From that point, Ashoka, who had been described as ‘the cruel Ashoka’ (Chandashoka) started to be described as ‘the pious Ashoka’ (Dharmashoka). He propagated the Vighajjavada School of Buddhism and preached it within his domain and worldwide from about 250 BC.

Emperor Ashoka, undoubtedly, has to be credited with the first serious attempt to develop a Buddhist policy. He built thousands of stupas and viharas for Buddhist followers (about 84,000 such monuments were built). The stupas of Sanchi are world famous and the stupa named Sanchi Stupa I was built by Emperor Ashoka. During the remaining period of Ashoka’s reign, he pursued an official policy of non-violence called ahimsa. The unnecessary slaughter of animals was immediately abolished. Moreover, rest houses were built throughout the empire to house travellers and pilgrims free of charge. Egalitarianism became a norm for the society. Slavery was non-existent in ancient India. Ashoka amalgamated Buddhism with material issues of concern, thus fulfilling Buddha’s wish of alleviation of people’s sufferings. To that effect, Ashoka had wells dug, irrigation canals and roads constructed. Other than rest houses, he also built hospitals, gardens and plantations of herbs.

Short Essay on Ashoka 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Ashoka is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

To propagate his faith, the great Ashoka who believed in ‘dharma’, built many edicts. The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is the most popular relic left by him. Made of sandstone, it records the visit of the emperor to Sarnath in the 3 rd century BC. It has a four-lion capital, which was adopted as the emblem of modern Indian republic. Ashoka ruled for an estimated 40 years, (273BC – 232BC) and after his death, the Maurya dynasty lasted just 50 more years. But Ashoka’s greatest legacy is the first written language in India, father than Sanskrit, the language used for inscription was one of the current spoken form called Prakrit. One of his monument’s inscription read

“All men are my children and l, the king, forgive what can be forgiven.”

He modified his foreign policy from that of expansionism to a peaceful co-existence with neighbours. He avoided any further conquests of territories and announced that conquests should be of human desires. He strived to spread ‘right conduct’ among his people. Ashoka’s loftiness and his prowess can be gauged from the fact that it was not until some 2,000 years later under Akbar and his great-grandson Aurangzeb, that a portion as large as the sub-continent could be again united under a single ruler. Science fiction novelist HG Wells rightly says

“Amidst the tens of thousands of names of monarchs that crowd the columns of history, their majesties and graciousness and serenities and royal highnesses and the like, the name of Ashoka shines and shines, almost alone, a star.”

Ashoka Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

• Annal – a record of events of a particular year
• Redemption – an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake or the state of being redeemed
• Impeccable – flawless
• Quell – to suppress, put an end to
• Incitement – the act of inciting
• Devastation – edicts a proclamation of law
• Egalitarianism – belief in the equality of all people, especially in political, social or economic life
• Edict – a proclamation of law
• Alleviation – the act of alleviating
• Loftiness – eminence, exalting in rank, dignity and character
• Prowess – exceptional valour, bravery or ability, especially in combat or battle
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Ashoka the Great

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Ashoka the Great (r. 268-232 BCE) was the third king of the Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE) best known for his renunciation of war , development of the concept of dhamma (pious social conduct), and promotion of Buddhism as well as his effective reign of a nearly pan -Indian political entity.

At its height, under Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire stretched from modern-day Iran through almost the entirety of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka was able to rule this vast empire initially through the precepts of the political treatise known as the Arthashastra , attributed to the Prime Minister Chanakya (also known as Kautilya and Vishnugupta, l. c. 350-275 BCE) who served under Ashoka's grandfather Chandragupta (r. c. 321-c.297 BCE) who founded the empire.

Ashoka means “without sorrow” which was most likely his given name. He is referred to in his edicts, carved in stone, as Devanampiya Piyadassi which, according to scholar John Keay (and agreed upon by scholarly consensus) means “Beloved of the Gods” and “gracious of mien” (89). He is said to have been particularly ruthless early in his reign until he launched a campaign against the Kingdom of Kalinga in c. 260 BCE which resulted in such carnage, destruction, and death that Ashoka renounced war and, in time, converted to Buddhism, devoting himself to peace as exemplified in his concept of dhamma . Most of what is known of him, outside of his edicts, comes from Buddhist texts which treat him as a model of conversion and virtuous behavior.

The empire he and his family built did not last even 50 years after his death. Although he was the greatest of the kings of one of the largest and most powerful empires in antiquity, his name was lost to history until he was identified by the British scholar and orientalist James Prinsep (l. 1799-1840 CE) in 1837 CE. Since then, Ashoka has come to be recognized as one of the most fascinating ancient monarchs for his decision to renounce war, his insistence on religious tolerance, and his peaceful efforts in establishing Buddhism as a major world religion .

Early Life & Rise to Power

Although Ashoka's name appears in the Puranas (encyclopedic literature of India dealing with kings, heroes, legends, and gods), no information on his life is given there. The details of his youth, rise to power, and renunciation of violence following the Kalinga campaign come from Buddhist sources which are considered, in many respects, more legendary than historical.

He was highly educated at court, trained in martial arts, and was no doubt instructed in the precepts of the Artashastra – even if he was not considered a candidate for the throne – simply as one of the royal sons. The Artashastra is a treatise covering many different subjects related to society but, primarily, is a manual on political science providing instruction on how to rule effectively. It is attributed to Chanakya, Chandragupta's prime minister, who chose and trained Chandragupta to become king. When Chandragupta abdicated in favor of Bindusara, the latter is said to have been trained in the Arthashastra and so, almost certainly, would have been his sons.

When Ashoka was around the age of 18, he was sent from the capital city of Pataliputra to Takshashila ( Taxila ) to put down a revolt. According to one legend, Bindusara provided his son with an army but no weapons; the weapons were provided later by supernatural means. This same legend claims that Ashoka was merciful to the people who lay down their arms upon his arrival. No historical account survives of Ashoka's campaign at Taxila; it is accepted as historical fact based on suggestions from inscriptions and place names but the details are unknown.

She was not apparently married to Ashoka nor destined to accompany him to Pataliputra and become one of his queens. Yet she bore him a son and a daughter. The son, Mahinda, would head the Buddhist mission to Sri Lanka; and it may be that his mother was already a Buddhist, thus raising the possibility that Ashoka was drawn to the Buddha 's teachings [at this time]. (90)

According to some legends, Devi first introduced Ashoka to Buddhism, but it has also been suggested that Ashoka was already a nominal Buddhist when he met Devi and may have shared the teachings with her. Buddhism was a minor philosophical-religious sect in India at this time, one of the many heterodox schools of thought (along with Ajivika, Jainism , and Charvaka ) vying for acceptance alongside the orthodox belief system of Sanatan Dharma (“Eternal Order”), better known as Hinduism . The focus of the later chronicles on Ashoka's affair with the beautiful Buddhist Devi, rather than on his administrative accomplishments, can be explained as an effort to highlight the future king's early association with the religion he would make famous.

Ashoka was still at Ujjain when Taxila rebelled again and Bindusara this time sent Susima. Susima was still engaged in the campaign when Bindusara fell ill and ordered his eldest son's recall. The king's ministers, however, favored Ashoka as successor and so he was sent for and was crowned (or, according to some legends crowned himself) king upon Bindusara's death. Afterwards, he had Susima executed (or his ministers did) by throwing him into a charcoal pit where he burned to death. Legends also claim he then executed his other 99 brothers but scholars maintain he killed only two and that the youngest, one Vitashoka, renounced all claim to rule and became a Buddhist monk.

The Kalinga War & Ashoka's Renunciation

Once he had assumed power, by all accounts, he established himself as a cruel and ruthless despot who pursued pleasure at his subjects' expense and delighted in personally torturing those who were sentenced to his prison known as Ashoka's Hell or Hell-on-Earth. Keay, however, notes a discrepancy between the earlier association of Ashoka with Buddhism through Devi and the depiction of the new king as a murderous fiend-turned-saint, commenting:

Buddhist sources tend to represent Ashoka's pre-Buddhist lifestyle as one of indulgence steeped in cruelty. Conversion then became all the more remarkable in that by `right thinking' even a monster of wickedness could be transformed into a model of compassion. The formula, such as it was, precluded any admission of Ashoka's early fascination with Buddhism and may explain the ruthless conduct attributed to him when Bindusara died. (90)

This is most likely true but, at the same time, may not be. That his policy of cruelty and ruthlessness was historical fact is borne out by his edicts, specifically his 13th Major Rock Edict, which addresses the Kalinga War and laments the dead and lost. The Kingdom of Kalinga was south of Pataliputra on the coast and enjoyed considerable wealth through trade . The Mauryan Empire surrounded Kalinga and the two polities evidently prospered commercially from interaction. What prompted the Kalinga campaign is unknown but, in c. 260 BCE, Ashoka invaded the kingdom, slaughtering 100,000 inhabitants, deporting 150,000 more, and leaving thousands of others to die of disease and famine.

Afterwards, it is said, Ashoka walked across the battlefield, looking upon the death and destruction, and experienced a profound change of heart which he later recorded in his 13th Edict:

On conquering Kalinga, the Beloved of the Gods [Ashoka] felt remorse for, when an independent country is conquered, the slaughter, death, and deportation of the people is extremely grievous to the Beloved of the Gods and weighs heavily on his mind…Even those who are fortunate to have escaped, and whose love is undiminished, suffer from the misfortunes of their friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and relatives…Today, if a hundredth or a thousandth part of those people who were killed or died or were deported when Kalinga was annexed were to suffer similarly, it would weigh heavily on the mind of the Beloved of the Gods. (Keay, 91)

Ashoka then renounced war and embraced Buddhism but this was not the sudden conversion it is usually given as but rather a gradual acceptance of Buddha's teachings which he may, or may not, have already been acquainted with. It is entirely possible that Ashoka could have been aware of Buddha's message before Kalinga and simply not taken it to heart, not allowed it to in any way alter his behavior. This same paradigm has been seen in plenty of people – famous kings and generals or those whose names will never be remembered – who claim to belong to a certain faith while regularly ignoring its most fundamental vision.

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It is also possible that Ashoka's knowledge of Buddhism was rudimentary and that it was only after Kalinga, and a spiritual journey through which he sought peace and self-forgiveness, that he chose Buddhism from among the other options available. Whether the one or the other, Ashoka would embrace Buddha's teachings in so far as he could as a monarch and establish Buddhism as a prominent religious school of thought.

The Path of Peace & Criticism

According to the accepted account, once Ashoka embraced Buddhism, he embarked on a path of peace and ruled with justice and mercy. Whereas he had earlier engaged in the hunt, he now went on pilgrimage and while formerly the royal kitchen slaughtered hundreds of animals for feasts, he now instituted vegetarianism. He made himself available to his subjects at all times, addressed what they considered wrongs, and upheld the laws which benefited all, not only the upper class and wealthy.

This understanding of Ashoka's post-Kalinga reign is given by the Buddhist texts (especially those from Sri Lanka) and his edicts. Modern-day scholars have questioned how accurate this depiction is, however, noting that Ashoka did not return the kingdom to the survivors of the Kalinga campaign nor is there any evidence he called back the 150,000 who had been deported. He made no effort at disbanding the military and there is evidence that military might continued to be used in putting down rebellions and maintaining the peace.

All of these observations are accurate interpretations of the evidence but ignore the central message of the Artashastra , which would have essentially been Ashoka's training manual just as it had been his father's and grandfather's. The Artashastra makes clear that a strong State can only be maintained by a strong king. A weak king will indulge himself and his own desires; a wise king will consider what is best for the greatest number of people. In following this principle, Ashoka would not have been able to implement Buddhism fully as a new governmental policy because, first of all, he needed to continue to present a public image of strength and, secondly, most of his subjects were not Buddhist and would have resented that policy.

Ashoka could have personally regretted the Kalinga campaign, had a genuine change of heart, and yet still have been unable to return Kalinga to its people or reverse his earlier deportation policy because it would have made him appear weak and encouraged other regions or foreign powers toward acts of aggression. What was done, was done, and the king moved on having learned from his mistake and having determined to become a better man and monarch.

Ashoka's response to warfare and the tragedy of Kalinga was the inspiration for the formulation of the concept of dhamma . Dhamma derives from the concept, originally set down by Hinduism, of dharma (duty) which is one's responsibility or purpose in life but, more directly, from Buddha's use of dharma as cosmic law and that which should be heeded . Ashoka's dhamma includes this understanding but expands it to mean general goodwill and beneficence to all as “right behavior” which promotes peace and understanding. Keay notes that the concept is equated with “mercy, charity, truthfulness, and purity” (95). It is also understood to mean “good conduct” or “decent behavior”.

After he had embraced Buddhism, Ashoka embarked on pilgrimages to sites sacred to Buddha and began to disseminate his thoughts on dhamma. He ordered edicts, many referencing dhamma or explaining the concept fully, engraved in stone throughout his empire and sent Buddhist missionaries to other regions and nations including modern-day Sri Lanka, China , Thailand, and Greece ; in so doing, he established Buddhism as a major world religion. These missionaries spread Buddha's vision peacefully since, as Ashoka had decreed, no one should elevate their own religion over anyone else's; to do so devalued one's own faith by supposing it to be better than another's and so lost the humility necessary in approaching sacred subjects.

Ashoka died after reigning for nearly 40 years. His reign had enlarged and strengthened the Mauryan Empire and yet it would not endure for even 50 years after his death. His name was eventually forgotten, his stupas became overgrown, and his edicts, carved on majestic pillars, toppled and buried by the sands. When European scholars began exploring Indian history in the 19th century, the British scholar and orientalist James Prinsep came across an inscription on the Sanchi stupa in an unknown script which, eventually, he came to understand as referencing a king by the name of Devanampiya Piyadassi who, as far as Prinsep knew, was referenced nowhere else.

In time, and through the efforts of Prinsep in deciphering Brahmi Script as well as those of other scholars, it was understood that the Ashoka named as a Mauryan king in the Puranas was the same as this Devanampiya Piyadassi. Prinsep published his work on Ashoka in 1837 CE, shortly before he died, and the great Mauryan king has since attracted increasing interest around the world; most notably as the only empire-builder of the ancient world who, at the height of his power, renounced warfare and conquest to pursue mutual understanding and harmonious existence as both domestic and foreign policy.

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Bibliography

• Baird, F.& Heimbeck, R. S. Philosophic Classics: Asian Philosophy. Routledge, 2005.
• Chanakya Kautilya & Shamasastry, R. & Patel, C. Arthashastra, or, The Playbook of Material Gain. Independently published, 2019.
• Keay, J. India. Grove Press, 2020.
• Koller, J. M. Asian Philosophies. Prentice Hall, 2007.
• Kulke, H. & Rothermund, D. A History of India. Barnes & Noble Books, 2006.
• Long, J. D. Historical Dictionary of Hinduism. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2020.
• Stutley, M. & Stutley, J. Harper's Dictionary of Hinduism. Harper & Row, 1977.
• Trautmann, T. R. Arthashastra: The Science of Wealth. Penguin/Portfolio, 2016.

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Mark, J. J. (2020, June 24). Ashoka the Great . World History Encyclopedia . Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashoka_the_Great/

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Mark, Joshua J.. " Ashoka the Great ." World History Encyclopedia . Last modified June 24, 2020. https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashoka_the_Great/.

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How did Ashoka become so famous?

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Ashoka’s fame is largely due to his pillar and rock edicts , which allowed him to reach a wide audience and left a lasting historical record. He is remembered as a model ruler, controlling a vast and diverse Mauryan empire through peace and respect, with dharma at the centre of his ideology.

What were Ashoka’s achievements?

Ashoka was able to rule over the vast and diverse Mauryan empire through a centralized policy of dharma that favoured peace and tolerance and that administered public works and social welfare. He likewise patronized the spread of Buddhism and art throughout the empire.

How did Ashoka come to power?

Ashoka was the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty , grandson of its founder Chandragupta and son of the second emperor, Bindusara . Upon Bindusara’s death, Ashoka and his brothers engaged in a war of succession, and Ashoka emerged victorious after several years of conflict.

What were Ashoka’s beliefs?

After Ashoka’s successful but devastating conquest of Kalinga early in his rule, he converted to Buddhism and was inspired by its doctrine of dharma . Thereafter, he ruled his empire through peace and tolerance and focused on public works and building up the empire rather than expanding it.

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Ashoka (died 238? bce , India) was the last major emperor of the Mauryan dynasty of India . His vigorous patronage of Buddhism during his reign (c. 265–238 bce ; also given as c. 273–232 bce ) furthered the expansion of that religion throughout India. Following his successful but bloody conquest of the Kalinga country on the east coast, Ashoka renounced armed conquest and adopted a policy that he called “conquest by dharma ” (i.e., by principles of right life).

In order to gain wide publicity for his teachings and his work, Ashoka made them known by means of oral announcements and by engravings on rocks and pillars at suitable sites. These inscriptions—the rock edicts and pillar edicts (e.g., the lion capital of the pillar found at Sarnath , which has become India’s national emblem), mostly dated in various years of his reign—contain statements regarding his thoughts and actions and provide information on his life and acts. His utterances rang of frankness and sincerity.

According to his own accounts, Ashoka conquered the Kalinga country (modern Odisha state) in the eighth year of his reign. The sufferings that the war inflicted on the defeated people moved him to such remorse that he renounced armed conquests. It was at this time that he came in touch with Buddhism and adopted it. Under its influence and prompted by his own dynamic temperament, he resolved to live according to, and preach, the dharma and to serve his subjects and all humanity.

Ashoka repeatedly declared that he understood dharma to be the energetic practice of the sociomoral virtues of honesty, truthfulness, compassion, mercifulness, benevolence , nonviolence, considerate behaviour toward all, “little sin and many good deeds,” nonextravagance, nonacquisitiveness, and noninjury to animals. He spoke of no particular mode of religious creed or worship, nor of any philosophical doctrines. He spoke of Buddhism only to his coreligionists and not to others.

Toward all religious sects he adopted a policy of respect and guaranteed them full freedom to live according to their own principles, but he also urged them to exert themselves for the “increase of their inner worthiness.” Moreover, he exhorted them to respect the creeds of others, praise the good points of others, and refrain from vehement adverse criticism of the viewpoints of others.

To practice the dharma actively, Ashoka went out on periodic tours preaching the dharma to the rural people and relieving their sufferings. He ordered his high officials to do the same, in addition to attending to their normal duties; he exhorted administrative officers to be constantly aware of the joys and sorrows of the common folk and to be prompt and impartial in dispensing justice . A special class of high officers, designated “dharma ministers,” was appointed to foster dharma work by the public, relieve suffering wherever found, and look to the special needs of women, of people inhabiting outlying regions, of neighbouring peoples, and of various religious communities . It was ordered that matters concerning public welfare were to be reported to him at all times. The only glory he sought, he said, was for having led his people along the path of dharma. No doubts are left in the minds of readers of his inscriptions regarding his earnest zeal for serving his subjects. More success was attained in his work, he said, by reasoning with people than by issuing commands.

Among his works of public utility were the founding of hospitals for people and animals, the planting of roadside trees and groves, the digging of wells, and the construction of watering sheds and rest houses. Orders were also issued for curbing public laxities and preventing cruelty to animals . With the death of Ashoka, the Mauryan empire disintegrated and his work was discontinued. His memory survives for what he attempted to achieve and the high ideals he held before himself.

Most enduring were Ashoka’s services to Buddhism. He built a number of stupas (commemorative burial mounds) and monasteries and erected pillars on which he ordered inscribed his understanding of religious doctrines. He took strong measures to suppress schisms within the sangha (the Buddhist religious community) and prescribed a course of scriptural studies for adherents. The Sinhalese chronicle Mahavamsa says that when the order decided to send preaching missions abroad, Ashoka helped them enthusiastically and sent his own son and daughter as missionaries to Sri Lanka . It is as a result of Ashoka’s patronage that Buddhism, which until then was a small sect confined to particular localities, spread throughout India and subsequently beyond the frontiers of the country.

A sample quotation that illustrates the spirit that guided Ashoka is:

All men are my children. As for my own children I desire that they may be provided with all the welfare and happiness of this world and of the next, so do I desire for all men as well.

Essay on Ashoka

Students are often asked to write an essay on Ashoka in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Ashoka

Introduction.

Ashoka was one of the most powerful kings of the Indian subcontinent. He ruled the Maurya Empire from 268 to 232 BCE.

Ashoka was born in 304 BCE. As a young prince, he was a brilliant commander and a fierce warrior.

After ascending the throne, Ashoka expanded his empire. However, the Kalinga war changed him. He embraced Buddhism and promoted peace.

Ashoka’s edicts, carved on pillars and rocks throughout the empire, show his dedication to non-violence, tolerance, and welfare of his subjects. His rule is considered a high point in Indian history.

250 Words Essay on Ashoka

Rule and transformation.

Initially, Ashoka was a fierce and ruthless ruler, expanding his empire through brutal wars. However, the Kalinga War marked a turning point. The war’s brutality and massive loss of life deeply affected Ashoka, leading to a transformation. He embraced Buddhism, renounced violence, and dedicated his life to peace and welfare of his people.

Legacy of Ashoka

Ashoka’s legacy is unique. He is remembered not for his military conquests, but for his transformative journey from a ruthless king to a benevolent ruler. He propagated the principles of Buddhism, not by force, but through inscriptions known as Ashoka’s Edicts. These edicts, carved on pillars and rocks throughout his empire, promoted moral and ethical norms, including respect for all life, non-violence, and tolerance.

Ashoka’s reign is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the potential for a ruler to use their power for the welfare of their people. His legacy, encapsulated in his edicts, continues to influence modern Indian ethos and values. Ashoka’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when they commit to principles of peace and compassion.

500 Words Essay on Ashoka

Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost the entire Indian subcontinent from 268 to 232 BCE. His reign is considered a significant period in Indian history due to his remarkable shift from warmonger to an advocate of non-violence and peace, following the bloodshed of the Kalinga War.

Early Life and Ascension to Power

Born in 304 BCE, Ashoka was the son of Mauryan Emperor Bindusara and one of his queens, Dharma. He ascended to the throne in 268 BCE, after a series of political maneuvers and battles. Initially, Ashoka continued the militaristic policies of his predecessors, expanding his empire through conquests.

The Kalinga War and Transformation

The turning point in Ashoka’s life was the Kalinga War in 261 BCE, a conflict marked by immense bloodshed and suffering. The brutality of the war, which resulted in the death of over 100,000 soldiers and civilians, deeply affected Ashoka. He experienced a profound transformation, embracing Buddhism and adopting a policy of non-violence or ‘Ahimsa’.

Ashoka’s Dhamma

Post his conversion, Ashoka propagated ‘Dhamma’, a system of ethical and moral duties. This was not merely a religious shift but a socio-political one. His Dhamma was a unique blend of moral teachings, administrative efficiency, and welfare schemes. He erected pillars and rock edicts across his empire, inscribing them with his policies and moral codes, promoting peace, compassion, and respect for all life forms.

Contributions to Buddhism

Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism had a profound impact on the religion’s spread. He built numerous stupas and monasteries and sent missionaries to regions beyond his empire, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, and parts of West Asia and North Africa. His efforts played a crucial role in making Buddhism a world religion.

Ashoka’s Legacy

Ashoka’s life and reign embody a fascinating narrative of transformation and moral leadership. His shift from a conqueror to a compassionate ruler, coupled with his efforts to spread Buddhism and his vision of Dhamma, make him a figure of historical significance. His legacy continues to resonate in modern times, reminding us of the potential for change and the power of ethical governance.

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Who was Ashoka?

Upset with his violent conquests that killed hundreds of thousands, the Indian king Ashoka embraced Buddhism and treated his subjects humanely.

Chandragupta Maurya’s grandson Ashoka (Aśoka) (ca 304–233 B.C.) took the Mauryan Empire to its greatest geographical extent and its full height of power. Yet his remarkable transformation of the kingdom came not through the intense violence that marked his early reign. Instead, it resulted from his embrace of Buddhism and the messages of tolerance and nonviolence that he spread throughout the sprawling empire.

Eight years after seizing power around 270 B.C., Ashoka led a military campaign to conquer Kalinga, a coastal kingdom in east-central India. The victory left him with a larger domain than that of any of his predecessors. Accounts claim between 100,000 and 300,000 lives were lost during the conquest.

This Buddhist temple was built by the Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India.

That human toll took a tremendous emotional toll on Ashoka. He wrote that he was “deeply pained by the killing, dying, and deportation that take place when an unconquered country is conquered.” Thereafter, Ashoka renounced military conquest and other forms of violence, including cruelty to animals. He became a patron of Buddhism, supporting the rise of the doctrine across India. He reportedly dispatched emissaries to several countries, including Syria and Greece, and he sent his own children as missionaries to Sri Lanka.

Ashoka shared his new outlook on life through edicts carved into stones and pillars located around the country at pilgrimage sites and along busy trade routes. The edicts are considered among the first examples of writing in Indian history. They were not carved in Sanskrit—the official state language—but in local dialects, so that the messages could be widely understood. For example, an edict near modern-day Kandahar in Afghanistan, an area that had been under Alexander the Great’s control for a period of time, is written in Greek and Aramaic.

Much like Cyrus in Persia, Ashoka adopted and promoted a policy of respect and tolerance for people of different faiths. One edict declared, “All men are my children. As for my own children, I desire that they may be provided with all the welfare and happiness of this world and of the next, so do I desire for all men as well.”

Other edicts exhorted citizens to generosity, piety, justice, and mercy. Ashoka and his high ministers took occasional tours through the kingdom to check on the welfare of the people and see how his edicts were being fulfilled. According to one pillar, the ministers provided medicine and hospitals for both men and animals.

Tending to earthly needs

In addition to his edicts, Ashoka built stupas, monasteries, and other religious structures at noteworthy Buddhist sites, such as Sarnath. He was not an unworldly ruler, however. He efficiently managed a centralized government from the Mauryan capital at Pataliputra. A large bureaucracy collected taxes. Inspectors reported back to the emperor. Irrigation expanded agriculture. Familiar hallmarks of ancient empires, excellent roads were built connecting key trading and political centers; Ashoka ordered that the roads have shade trees, wells, and inns.

After his death, Ashoka’s merciful style of governance waned along with the Mauryan Empire itself. His reign slipped into the realm of legend, until archaeologists translated his edicts two millennia later. In their time, those edicts helped unify a vast empire through their shared messages of virtue, and they propelled the expansion of Buddhism throughout India.

Sarnath, pillar of faith

Ashoka’s most famous pillar was erected at Sarnath, in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. The site is revered among Buddhist pilgrims as the spot where the Buddha gave his first sermon and shared his Four Noble Truths.

The pillar’s exquisitely carved capital, more than seven feet tall, is divided into three sections. Its base is a lotus flower, a Buddhist symbol. A cylindrical abacus features carvings of a horse, a lion, a bull, and an elephant at the compass points of the cardinal directions, with dharma wheels evenly spaced in between. At the top stand four powerful lions, also facing the four cardinal directions and thought to represent Ashoka’s power over all the land. The capital was adopted as the national emblem of India in 1950 and is depicted on several of the country’s coins and banknotes.

Founded between the sixth and early fourth century B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha or “enlightened one,” Buddhism soon spread through India and much of Asia. Buddha introduced the concept of peace through inner discipline. His meditations told him that suffering came from desire for sensory pleasures. Therefore, he laid out an Eightfold Path to inner holiness: right view, right aspiration, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right-mindedness, and right concentration.

He taught that through meditation, discussion, humility, and denial of a self, a person could achieve a perfect, peaceful state known as nirvana. As years passed, increasing numbers of Buddhist monks fanned out across Asia, acting as missionaries to promote the faith.

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A Shining Star of Kingship: Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd Century BCE

January 9, 2024 | Balasubramanian, Aruna | Ancient History , Biography , Essays , History , Humanities , Religion

Patrick Olivelle —

Few kings or emperors—or even people in power today—have been sufficiently self-aware and self-reflective to express regret or remorse for anything they may have done. When the king does it, it cannot be wrong, seems to have been the mantra. Ashoka, who ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent during the middle of the third century BCE, was a different sort of ruler. He acknowledged the common propensity: “One sees only what is good, thinking: ‘I have done this good thing.’ One does not see as well what is bad, thinking: ‘I have done this bad thing.’” Ashoka was also a person who had the inner strength to be able to say: “I am sorry.” The context of his apology was his conquest of the country of Kalinga in the northeast of India, a war that resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of people. Ashoka expressed remorse at the bloodshed and hoped that his sons and grandsons would renounce war. He became devoted to the ethical principle of non-injury, ahimsa .

Ashoka was also unique in being a philosopher king who developed his own moral philosophy. Based on his own interpretation of the term dharma , Ashoka promulgated a new moral code which could be adopted by all the subjects of his empire. He envisaged dharma as a moral glue that would unite the diverse population of his vast empire. Dharma-morality involved developing proper relationships to those who come into regular contact with someone. These included parents, elders, relatives, friends, religious professionals (Ashoka uses the shorthand sramana-brahmana ), servants, slaves, and non-human animals. These relationships took the form of obedience, gift giving, proper regard, compassion, and non-injury (ahimsa). To spread his moral philosophy across his vast empire, Ashoka coopted his entire imperial bureaucracy. It was possibly the largest mass education program of ancient times.

Toward this end, Ashoka also began writing letters and edicts to his subjects and bureaucrats. He had some of them engraved on stones and pillars. Written in a script commonly called Brahmi, they constitute the oldest written documents from ancient India. All later Indian scripts, including those of modern India, are derived from this ancient Ashokan script. What Ashoka says in his writings is even more significant than the script in which it is written. In Rock Edict IV , for example, he reflects on the success of his dharma messaging, using his preferred name Piyadasi:

But now, due to the practice of dharma by the Beloved of Gods, King Piyadasi…the kinds of things that did not exist for many hundreds of years, today these same things have increased through the instruction in dharma provided by the Beloved of Gods, King Piyadasi.

He provided a succinct description of that instruction:

Not slaughtering living beings, not injuring creatures, proper regard towards relatives, proper regard towards Sramanas and Brahmins, obedience to mother and father, and obedience to the elderly. 1

Ashoka lived in a religiously pluralistic world. His moral philosophy was thus conceived as a kind of religion that transcended other religions existing within his empire. You could, in other words, be a Buddhist and still subscribe to Ashoka’s dharma-centered moral religion.

Ashoka, however, was also interested in established religions, which he called Pasandas. He considered each Pasanda to be dedicated to dharma in its own particular way. Inter-Pasanda disputes and acrimony were commonplace, and Ashoka sought to eliminate or, at the very least, minimize these disputes. I have called this effort of harmony and cooperation among the Pasandas Ashoka’s ecumenical project. Avoiding conflicts and living in harmony were the minimum. Ashoka thought that the Pasandas should do more, much more. He asked them to hold meetings at which members of different Pasandas could gather to exchange ideas and to listen to each other. He thought that would be the only way each Pasanda could become learned. No single Pasanda would have a monopoly on truth, on dharma. Here is Ashoka in his own words:

…not paying homage to one’s own Pasanda and not denigrating the Pasandas of others when there is no occasion, and even when there is an occasion, doing so mildly. Homage, on the other hand, should indeed be paid to the Pasandas of others in one form or another. Acting in this manner, one certainly enhances one’s own Pasanda and also helps the Pasanda of the other. When someone acts in a way different from that, one hurts one’s own Pasanda and also harms the Pasanda of the other. For, should someone pay homage to his own Pasanda and denigrate the Pasanda of another wholly out of devotion to his own Pasanda, thinking, that is, ‘I’ll make my Pasanda illustrious’—by so doing he damages his own Pasanda even more certainly. 2

H.G. Wells may have engaged in a bit of hyperbole, but there is much truth in his assessment of the uniqueness of Ashoka among the kings of the past:

Amidst the tens of thousands of names of monarchs that crowd the columns of history, their majesties and graciousnesses and serenities and royal highnesses and the like, the name of Aśoka shines, and shines almost alone, a star. 3

1. Emperor Ashoka. Rock Edict IV.

2. Emperor Ashoka. Rock Edict XII.

3. Wells, H.G. The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind. Revised edition. London: Cassell, 1951, p. 402.

Patrick Olivelle  is professor emeritus in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Texas. His recent publications include  Yājñavalkya: A Treatise on Dharma  and  Hindu Law: A New History of Dharmaśāstra . He lives in Austin, TX.

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Art of Asia

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The Pillars of Ashoka

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A Buddhist king

Life is suffering (suffering=rebirth) the cause of suffering is desire the cause of desire must be overcome when desire is overcome, there is no more suffering (suffering=rebirth)

The pillars

Lotus and lion, the hinayana period, why a pillar.

Beloved of the Gods speaks thus: Twelve years after my coronation I started to have Dhamma edicts written for the welfare and happiness of the people, and so that not transgressing them they might grow in the Dhamma. Thinking: “How can the welfare and happiness of the people be secured?” I give my attention to my relatives, to those dwelling far, so I can lead them to happiness and then I act accordingly. I do the same for all groups. I have honored all religions with various honors. But I consider it best to meet with people personally.

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Ashoka: essay on ashoka (700 words.

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Read this comprehensive essay on Ashoka the Great (268 B.C. – 233 B. C.)

Ashoka Vardhana, popularly known as Ashoka, succeeded his father emperor Bindusara in 273 BC. Before that he had been a very successful Viceroy first at Takhshila and then at Ujjain. He ruled over a vast and united kingdom of India for 41 years.

We know much about his kingdom and rein from his rock edicts and pillar inscriptions spread all over the country. The Kalinga war, which he waged to acquire and annexed the country of that name, was a very terrible war in which thousands of people died and many more were wounded and maimed.

It proved a turning point in his life. Filled with great remorse and repentance, he renounced war and violence forever and became a devout Buddhist. Earlier he was a Hindu and worshipper of Shiva. The Kalinga war made him realize that true conquest was in the conquest of the hearts of the people. Haunted by remorse, pity and repentance he sought refuge in Buddhism and engaged himself in the well being and happiness of his subjects. He used to say, “All people are my children.”

Patliputra (modern Patna) was his capital city. He further enlarged and consolidated his empire which spread to the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan in the north-west to Nepal in the north-east and from Kashmir in the north to Mysore and Madras in the south.

Baluchistan, Makran, Sindh, Cutch, Swat, including Kashmir and Nepal were parts of his huge empire. There were many small autonomous States as well which owed obedience to the Emperor and paid regular homage to him. The vast territory of the empire was ruled by 5-6 Viceroys. Takshila, Toshali, Ujjain and Suvarngiri were the chief centres of administration and governance.

After his initiation into Buddhism, Ashoka made a pilgrimage to the principal holy places and centres of Buddhism which included Lumbini Park, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, Kushinagar where Buddha entered into final nirvana and Bodh Gaya were Buddha attained enlightenment.

He also became a monk temporarily and assumed the holy garb of a bhikku. He also raised grand holy monuments at centres of Buddhist pilgrimage. He gave up hunting, meat-eating and violence in their all forms and manifestations. The promotion of religion and the teaching of morals became his life’s mission. He prohibited the slaughter of animals and birds and urged and ordained his subjects to follow ahimsa or non-injury.

To spread Buddhism and the message of love, peace and non-violence he sent missions to various places outside his kingdom. One such mission to Ceylon was led by his son Mahindra. He also called the Great Buddhist council at Patliputra.

Ashoka ruled over his vast empire according to the Buddhist dharma and law. He has been called a great and the just king because of his piety, compassion and his mission to spread Buddhism. He was tolerant of other religions and religious sects.

In a pillar edict he had proclaimed that he had “Bunyan trees planted for shade to beasts and well dug and rest houses built-every nine miles.” Buddha wanted that kings should be protective and generous and Ashoka confirmed to this injunction both in letter and spirit.

Most of his inscriptions are in Prakrit dialects which were spoken in northern India, but in the far eastern regions in Afghanistan etc. they were in Greek. Ashoka’s column has four lion capital which symbolize both his imperial rule and the kingship of Buddha.

The famous Ashokan column’s famous lion capital is now preserved at Sarnath, near Varanasi. Ashokan column with four lions is the emblem of modern Indian State. A tradition would have us believe that Ashoka died at Takhshila but it is not known how he died.

He was succeeded by his two grandsons named Dasharatha in the eastern and Samprati in the western region. Perhaps Brihadratha was the last Mauryan king who was slain in 185 BC by his own commander-in-chief Pushpamitra Sung who established a new dynasty known as the Sunga Dynasty.

Related Articles:

• The Decline of Buddhism in India (8 Factors)
• The Historical Significance of Ashoka’s Inscriptions | History

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Reign of Ashoka in the Mauryan Empire Essay

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The Span of the Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan Empire is one of the empires that have had a strong effect on the socio-political formation of their countries. During Ashoka’s reign, this empire had great impacts on the social and religious outfits of, not only India but also other neighbors like Greece, China, and Sri Lanka. It is therefore evident to say that Ashoka’s reign changed the administrative and religious system of India.

Background of Indian culture before Mauryan Empir e

India was a region that culturally depended on the Buddhist and Jainism teachings which dictated all aspects of their relationships. It was from these laws that leaders governed their subjects. These social cultural and political norms of India were based on the teachings of Dharma, Artha, Karma , and Moksha . These teachings, therefore, dictated the normal lives of India until the invasion of Alexander the Great who brought with him new systems of governance.

In the year 327 BC, India experienced defeat that subjected most of its kingdoms under the power of Alexander the Great. After several years of exploits in India, Alexander eventually made a decision to leave India under the governorship of Seleucus. What caused his withdrawal was not defeated from Indian fighters but it was the dissatisfaction of his own soldiers. Though India remains under the rule of Greece for the next 20 years, one of India’s greatest empires is born during this period. This is the Mauryan Empire (history world parag. 1)

The seizure of the Nanda dynasty’s throne marked the beginning of the Mauryan Empire. The founder, Chandragupta Maurya defeated his enemies to expand his kingdom. After the withdrawal of Alexander, Maurya defeated his general, Seleucus Nicator to conquer part of what had now become a possession of Alexander the Great. Most of this land was ceded to Chandragupta in exchange for 500 elephants thus expanding his empire further. It was after this conquest that there arose a friendship between the ruler of the empire and the governor leading them to sign a treaty of alliance (Draper parag. 2). The kingdom then stayed for a century being ruled by different other kings among them Ashoka. This king ruled the kingdom between 232 BC and 268 BC.

Ashoka was the son of Bindusara who was the son of Chandragupta. He was born in a family that consisted of 101 sons who were always in a fight aimed at gaining the favor of their father who was the king. Later, Ashoka was appointed the governor of Ujjain and Taxilla which were considered among the most troublesome regions of India. When Bindusara died, Ashoka managed to ascend to power after defeating all his brothers in a battle for the throne in 272BC. According to some sources, among them the Buddha chronicles, it is said that Ashoka had to kill all his brothers in order to get to power (Beck, 2004).

Ashoka was one leader who believed in the leadership of the iron fist. He commanded his subjects with care responsibility but had no mercy on his enemies. Through wars, he conquered almost the whole subcontinent of India save for the southern and southeastern kingdoms of Kalinga. In addition to his iron fist nature, Ashoka ruled with a belief that a ruler had to be hard on his subjects. Among the most disadvantaged were the victims of his invasion. All captured prisoners of war and the conquered subjects were treated without mercy. This was the trademark of the Ashoka rule. And it is through this system that Ashoka is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Mauryan Empire (Missouri parag. 9).

Among the most striking aspects of Ashoka’s rule was the army. During his reign, the army is said to have consisted of 600,000 infantry and 130 cavalries. In addition to this, the army had 9000 elephants that were attended to by 36,000 men. The army consisted of chariots and charioteers that numbered into thousands. All these strong forces were managed by six boards of government (ICRC parag. 5). This is considered an achievement on Ashoka’s part considering the wars during those days. An army of such magnitude could have inflicted real harm on its enemies.

It was until sixteen years on the throne that Ashoka made to attack the Kalinga kingdom. This was the year 256 BC and those are eight years after his consecration. Ashoka attacked the kingdoms and came up with an overwhelming victory that he had to recount later in his stone edicts as great. The war with the Kalingas left more than 150,000 people of Kalinga as captives, 100,000 had been slew and many others were mercilessly killed as a result of the conquest. This information is found in his most famous stone edict of 257 BC also referred to as “the conquest edict.” In which he wrote, “…hundred and fifty thousand persons were…carried away captives…one hundred thousand were…slain, and many times that number died…” (Rock edict VIII, circa 257 BC as quoted by (Draper 1995)

The devastations caused by this overwhelming victory marked a turnaround in the life of Ashoka. He felt the pain and suffering that the people of Kalinga were experiencing. This made his heart cry with sorrow. According to Ashoka, the conquering of a country that had never been conquered previously means great slaughtering and murdering of the subjects and this, according to him, is a matter of great and profound sorrow. This causes sorrow and regrets to the highest (Draper parag.8).

Ashoka portrays a great sense of nobility in terms of his feelings towards the suffering people of Kalinga. He purports that despite the religion of a person, as long as he hearkens to the voice and respects his seniors including teachers, and parents and also treats his friends, relatives, comrades, servants, and slaves, and this steadfast devotion continues even after the separation, injury or violence befalls them causes regrets and sorrow to the majesty. This is because whatever the religion they believe in, injury to any of these subjects is bad irrespective of the religion (Draper parag.8).

It was at this point in life that Ashoka decided to be converted into Buddhism. The sorrows that he had witnessed during the war with Kalinga had turned his heart and filled it with remorse. He changed completely to a non-violence campaigner. He spent most of his life writing stupas that contained injunctions and imperatives of morality which he strategically placed at sights of pilgrimage and borders of his kingdom (Draper parag.10). He later joined the membership of the Buddhist order. It should be noted that he never left his role of governance, instead, he changed the tactics of governance from the violent nature that he had used to a completely peaceful; society that campaigned against violence.

The teachings of Buddha led to the formation of what Ashoka called the “law of piety.” This rule was based on Buddhist teachings that brought into the system an idealist approach to human life. It did not only take root in India but also the neighboring states like Sri Lanka, China, and as far as Greece. It marked a point of turning in the civilization of the East. The imperatives of this law were aimed at creating a well-networked relationship between human beings and animals. It dictated that all forms of life be respected. This included human beings who were backward and even animals within and without the kingdom. Humane treatment was a must to all of the named forms of life. Every member of the kingdom was obliged to give respect to every one who deserved it. This includes teachers, parents, leaders and all people in power. There were censors who were given the responsibility to ensure that the law was adhered to. They were also in the palace as the rule applied also to the king and his family. Ashoka took it as his responsibility to ensure that the law of piety was followed by ensuring that it was publicized and enforced (Draper parag 15).

Ashoka’s law of piety brought reforms to the empire. Among the reforms was in the judicial system. Although the criminal law maintained its magnitude allowing for executions, the person to be executed had to be tried fairly so that his people do not sorrow because of his death that was not fair. In addition, convicts were given three days before being executed to give them chance to meditate (India directory parag 13).

Ashoka ensured that he straightened the administrative abilities of his government officials. He ensured that they conformed to the laws of piety and also the people under them observed the same laws. He did not condone injustice, idleness and obstructing people’s endeavors. Strict measures were put up to ensure these laws were observed. On the other hand, Ashoka promised rewards to those who performed exemplarily well thus smoothening further the issue of administration (India directory parag 13).

He enacted the first central government in India that was strong and powerful. In his administrative system, the whole northern states of India were united into one central government with divisions of smaller administrative units that contained a number of officials arranged in a beaurocratic manner. Their core responsibilities were collection of tax, army maintenance, maintenance of irrigation projects and ensuring that law and order is maintained (India directory parag 13).

Ashoka’s law of piety also made reforms in the field of foreign affairs. He sent thousands of missionaries to spread the word of humanity as dictated by the law to other places like China and Greece. In addition to this, Ashoka conquest was done not by war and violence but through the conquest law which also brought delight in the heart of the conquered (Draper parag 15).

Ashoka died in 231 BC and his successors failed to uphold the standards of the law leading to its losing of vigor and eventual disappearance (Draper parag 15).

In conclusion, Ashoka will be known for his reformatory measures that brought changes not only in India but the whole East. He put up idealistic laws that raised the standards of human relations within and without the Mauryan Empire. He therefore is to be remembered as one of the greatest promoters of dignity of human life and nonviolence.

Beck, S., (2004) India & South East Asia to 1800 . (vol. 2) World Peace Communications: Goleta, CA

Draper, G. International Review of the Red Cross. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2009). Web.

India Directory. Mauryan Rulers. (2009). Web.

History World. The History of India. (2009). Web.

Kamat’s potpourri. Land of Mystery . (2009). Web.

Missourri State University. The Fortunes of Empire in Classical India. History Dept. (2009). Web.

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Ashoka The Great – Essay in English

admin August 31, 2017 Essays in English 33,729 Views

King Ashoka is popularly known as Ashoka the Great. In his inscriptions he is called Devanampiya (beloved of the gods) and Piyadashi (one who looks to the welfare of his subjects).

The edicts of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka that were found in different parts of the country are the most dependable evidences of his reign. Besides these edicts, the Buddhist book Divyavadana and Ceylonese chronicles Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa also give important information about Ashoka and his reign.

Ashoka was born to Emperor Bindusara in 304 B.C. Ashoka had several brothers and sisters. He was an extremely brilliant and fearless child. He also got military training during his early life. When he was just 18 years old, he was appointed as the Viceroy of Avanti. He married Vedisa-Mahadevi Sakyakumari. Mahadevi gave birth to Mahendra (son) and Sanghamitra (daughter).

Meanwhile, a severe revolt broke at Taxila and situation was going beyond control. Ashoka was called, and there he displayed his skills while successfully suppressing the rebellion.

After the death of Bindusara, there is mention of a war of succession. Ashoka emerged as the winner and secured the throne with the help of Ramagupta (minister in the court of Bindusara). In may be noted that though succeeded to the throne in 273 B.C., his coronation ceremony took place in 269 B.C.

Ashoka pursued the policy of extension of the Magadha Empire following the ideal of his predecessors. In his eighth regnal year Ashoka invaded and conquered Kalinga after a bloody war. Ashoka attacked Kalinga which occupied a strategic position controlling the routes to south India by land and sea.

In his Rock Edict XIII Ashoka had referred to the conquest of Kalinga and the great loss of life. The Rock Edict reads, “One hundred and fifty thousand persons were captured, one hundred thousand were killed and many times that number perished”. The destructive nature of the Kalinga war created an emotional shock to Ashoka. He regretted that he had been responsible for so much suffering of the fellow human beings.

When he was in such a penitent mood, he met a Buddhist Monk Upagupta. The Buddhist teachings touched his heart and he became a convert to Buddhism, which preached non-violence. After the conversion he took the vow of serving all human beings. This change of heart of Ashoka found its reflection in his internal and foreign policies.

Indeed, Ashoka’s decision to abandon the policy of war made possible for some states in the south to maintain their independence. He, henceforth, pursued a policy of friendship to all nations of the known world.

Kalinga was the sole conquest made by Ashoka. But he had inherited a vast empire from his predecessors. The find spots of Ashokan edicts and some other evidences assist us in demarcating the borders of Ashoka’s Empire. From these evidences it appears that his empire covered an extensive territory from the Himalayas in the north to the river Pennar (north Mysore) in the south, from the Hindukush in the north-west to the Brahmaputra in the east. It also included Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and some parts of Nepal and Kashmir.

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English Essay on “Ashoka Indian Ruler” Full-length Essay, Paragraph, Speech for Class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 Exam.

Ashoka indian ruler.

One of the greatest rulers of India’s history is Ashoka (Asoka). Ruling for thirty-eight years (274 B.C.-232 B.C.), he was generally mentioned in his inscriptions as Devanampiya Piyadasi (“Beloved of the gods”). As the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, he was born in the year 304 B.C. His greatest achievements were spreading Buddhism throughout his empire and beyond. He set up an ideal government for his people and conquered many lands, expanding his kingdom.

The knowledge of Ashoka’s early reign is limited because little information was found. His edicts and inscriptions allowed us to understand his reign and empire, and have an insight into the events that took place during this remarkable period of history. Eight years after he took his throne, Ashoka’s powerful armies attacked and conquered Kalinga (present-day Orissa). Although he had conquered many other places, this violent war was the last war he ever fought and a turning point in his career. He was disgusted by the extreme deaths of numerous civilians, especially the Brahmans.

All these misfortunes brought Ashoka to turn into a religious ruler compared to a military ruler. As he turned to Buddhism, he emphasized dharma (law of piety) and ahimsa (nonviolence). He realized he could not spread Buddhism all by himself and therefore appointed officers to help promote the teachings. These officers were called Dhamma Mahamattas or “Officers of Righteousness” They were in charge of providing welfare and happiness among the servants and masters.

Preventing wrongful doings and ensuring special consideration was also their duty. Emphasizing his role as king, he paid close attention to welfare, the building of roads and rest houses, planting medicinal trees, and setting up healing centers. In order to pursue ahimsa, Ashoka gave up his favorite hobby of hunting and forbade the killing of animals, spreading vegetarianism throughout India.

Furthermore, his soldiers were taught the golden rule- to behave to others the way you want them to behave to you, which is the basic law of life. In the nineteenth century, a large number of edicts written in Brahmi script carved on rocks and stone pillars were discovered in India, proving the existence of Ashoka.

These edicts found scattered in more than 30 places throughout India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are mainly concerned with moral principles Ashoka recommended, his conversion to Buddhism, his personality, and his success as a king.

The Minor Edicts is a summary of Ashoka’s instruction of dharma, which talks about the purity of thoughts, kindness, truthfulness, reverence, and other good morals of life. The Fourteen Rock Edicts were the major edicts and issued the principles of the government. Some of these edicts tell of animal sacrifices, the principles of dharma, the Kalinga War, and religious toleration. There is also the record of Ashoka’s famous statement of “All men are my children”.

The Seven Pillar Edicts deals with some achievements of Samudragupta. Ashoka died in the thirty-eighth year of his reign, 232 B.C. The Buddhist ideas no longer inspire the government and at the same time, his descendants quarrel over the successions. In addition, the army: having become less warlike, was no longer able to defend the empire from invasion. In less than fifty years after his death, the Maurya Empire collapsed and fell into pieces.

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Essay on “Ashoka” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Ashoka-The Great

          Indian history reveals the heroic deeds of great men. One bright star of Indian history was the first emperor to follow the principles of Ahimsa, love and Peace. My hero is none other than the Emperor Ashoka- The Great.

          The grandson of Chandragupta and the son of Bindusar. Ashoka was brought up in Patliputra. In 273 BC he ascended the throne of the Mauryan Empire founded by Chandragupta. With a desire to expand his kingdom and unite India under his only rule. He began his conquests winning each war like a brave soldier. The Kalinga war in 261 BC changed him completely, Seeing the great loss of lives and wealth he pledged never to wage war in future. The main factor that changed his heart was the self immolation of a dancing woman from Kalinga was died fighting for him.

          He worked for the welfare of his subjects. He made New laws, appointed ministers and made justice common for all the sections of the society. All the social services were provided to the people. The improvement of roads and construction of shelter homes for the travelers led to the development of trade. In order to prevent cruelty to animals he banned animal slaughter throughout his kingdom. He devoted his life to the service to humanity and their well being.

          Art and sculpture also flourished under his rule. Even today. The Stupas at Gaya, Sarnath and Sanchi reflects his fine taste of architecture. The Ashok Chakra and the Lions of the iron pillar hold their importance in our national flag and stamps. These two symbols always remind us of Ashoka’s greatness.

          Ashoka was a man of high learning. He had a strong character. He maintained friendly relations with the neighboring kingdoms. He was the most respected Emperor who won the hearts of all his subjects. He really was “The Great”.

Essay No. 2

King Ashoka

There had been many kings in history but some selected are remembered. One of them in Ashoka. Ashoka was more saint than a ruler. His amen desire was to make his subjects virtuous, noble, wise and good. he was a great king. He tried to have a political unity through Dharma.

Ashoka became a monk in his old age. But he did not leave the throne. He continued to do the duties of the  king. He worked for religion as well as government. He died in 232 B.C.

Ashoka was really a very great king. He taught “Ahimsa” and piety to the people. He believed that war could not bring peace. He knew the people. He believed that war could not taught kindness to men and animals. These qualities place him much above others.

Kalinga was a small state on the east coast of India. When Ashoka became king , he wanted to conquer it. So he attacked it. In this war thousands of men were killed. Many were made prisoners. Such things are common in war. But Ashoka did not like them. His heart was filled with sorrow. He promised to fight no more. He embraced Buddhism, Kalinga War was his last war. Since then he began to follow the path of peace and goodness” he wanted to win men by goodness and not by war.

He was a kind ruler. All his time was spent in thinking of the welfare of his subjects. He himself attended to even the minutest details of his administration.  His one desire was to make his subjects happy. His subjects could meet him at any time and in any place. No place, not even his private palace , was forbidden to them. He had trees planted on either side of the roads; he had wells dug on the road- side; he had rest – houses and hospitals built for both men and animals. He , therefore , came to be known as Ashoka the Good. he was a wise and righteous ruler and was truly called the Father of his People.

Ashoka waged only one war early in his reign. He saw the horror of it; he vowed never to go to war again. He said, “ I have seen the horror of victory. I shall not draw the sword again expect to defend my country against invasion. My dreams are broken and dead, but today I begin a new dream. Instead of battle, I will give my people safety; instead of war , I will give them peace.”  And he kept his vow. His reign was a reign of peace. He gave his people lasting peace and made such laws for them as were just , wise and fair.

Ashoka believed  in “ Ahimsa”. He ordered the animals should not be killed. He made hospitals for them. He wanted his subjects to become religious and holy. He appointed some officers. They taught the people to do good deeds.

Ashoka tried to spread Buddhism in and out of India. He sent out missionaries. They went to Greece, Syria, Egypt, Tibet and Ceylon. It is said that one such mission went to Great Britain. To Ceylon went his brother, Mahendra and sister, Sanghmitra.

Ashoks’s name will live till the world lasts. We cannot forget this great ruler. Free India has its own flag. We have his ‘Chakra’ on our national flag. This is the Dharma Chakra of Ashoka’s lion capital at Saranath. What  a great tribute to the memory of this great king!  

Essay No. 03 

Ashoka – The Great

One of the greatest rulers of India’s history is Ashoka. He was born in the year 304 B.C. After the death of his father, Ashoka became the king of Pataliputra. He was a very good king.

Ashoka had already gained experience of administration during his father’s rule. Eight years after he took his throne, Ashoka’s powerful armies attacked and conquered Kalinga.

Although he had conquered many other places, this violent war was the last war he ever fought and a turning point of his career. He was disgusted by the extreme deaths of numerous civilians, especially the Brahmans.

In the nineteenth century, a large number of edicts written in Brahmi script carved on rocks and stone pillars were discovered in India, proving the existence of Ashoka.

Ashoka died in the thirty-eighth year of his reign, 232 B.C. The Buddhist ideas no longer inspire the government and at the same time, his descendents quarrel over the successions.

In less than fifty years after his death, the Maurya Empire collapsed and fell into pieces.

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Write a Short Essay on Emperor Ashoka

Ashok was one of the two great emperors of India. He reigned for about 40 years after he became ruler of Magadh in 272 B.C.

He was the first king to educate his men and lead them to the path of truth. He was the only military man who gave up warfare.

Ashok was the grandson of Chandra Gupta who founded the Maurya Empire. The name of his father was Bindusar.

Ashok was brought up in ‘Patliputra, the capital of Magadh. In the name of education he was taught things that would supply learning, culture and wealth.

It is said that as a child he was very furious. But after he had acceeded throne, there was a complete change in his nature.

About the year 262 B.C. he decided to make an attack on the king­dom of Kalinga now called Orissa. He fought a bloody war after a great slaughter of men, women and children, he conquered Kalinga and added it to his empire.

But he had not the cruel heart of a conqueror. The sight of terrible ruin filled his mind with horror.

Image Source: abmmsa.org

The sufferings and bloodshed in the war had a great effect on his mind. At that time, he met a great Budh preacher named Upagupt.

The teachings of Upagupt brought about a complete change in his life and character. He made Buddhism the state religion. He made up his mind to establish an empire on love, order and peace.

Buddhism made him a lover of all forms of life. He built hospitals for men and animals He banned animal sacrifice in his great empire.

He sent missionaries to Tibet and China, Burma, Ceylon and Deccan to spread Buddhism. He began to practise the law of piety.

He taught people in that law. He himself put on Yellow robe of a monk. He made China, Tibet, Japan, Ceylon and some other countries to follow Bud­dhism.

He made 14 principles of law to make his people happy. He got them engraved on rocks and pillars throughout the empire.

They are known as edicts of Ashok. They taught the people to be truthful, hon­est, dutiful, non-violent and obedient.

Ashok was a man of character. This is clear from the fact that he kept peace in war-loving age. He adopted Buddhism. As a king he was just and kind. He spent his life in the service of people.

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On the spot essay tips

I saw there was a post asking for tips preparing for the on the spot essay. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but this is just from my personal experience and from discussions with people that have already gotten in. ( i applied r3 and am awaiting interview call fingers crossed) Edit : got accepted

You guys probably already know most of this but I'll just say them anyway.

Strongly recommend have a standard boilerplate introduction. Some sort of basic introduction that you can modify according to the topic to help you get the essay started. Like for example if the topic is about a problem of some sort, my introduction was something along the lines of "the global community is grappling with various challenges, such as the looming threat of the climate crisis, the crucial fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the pervasive sense of political instability that casts an unsettling shadow worldwide. Among them, a pressing problem is xyz.

Whatever topic it is, always mention the disadvantages of the topic, like for example if the topic is Automated Cars, a little note on job displacement or other relevant points can show the person reading it that you understand the topic holistically and from all angles

So I had a few transitional sentences prepped and ready to go. For example whenever I started the paragraph on disadvantages, i would always mention something like "One should keep in mind that every rose has a thorn" and then go on to talk about the disadvantages.

Most people will tell you that you don't need to necessarily prepare for the on the spot essay explicitly, however if you're extremely paranoid and worried like me, I just made a list of a bunch of topics people in this subreddit have mentioned they've got in previous AATs. (Just an add on, my topic was how have online learning platforms transformed traditional modes of education) (the list is at the bottom of all this). Its not an exhaustive list but its a good starting point.

Obviously split the essay in the paras (like intro, advantages, disadvantages, conclusion), and THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO AFTER YOU SEE THE TOPIC IS NOT TYPE ON THE KEYBOARD, BUT JUST JOT DOWN A FEW BULLET POINTS THAT INSTANTLY COME TO MIND AND A COUPLE OF KEYWORDS. This really really helped me just get through the initial 200 word. I ended up writing 750 however anything around 400-500 is the sweet spot in my opinion. (Some maniacs are out there writing 1000 how tf????)

1.⁠ ⁠"LGBTQ+ rights cannot be a legislative and judicial priority for a country with significant poverty issues." Express your views for or againsxt this statement. (same thing with whether countries should have a space program while dealing with poverty bc my friend got that topic)

2.⁠ ⁠Globalism has helped in advancing the cause of humanity, and any loss of local culture and independence is just collateral. Express...

3.The government regulation of social media is immoral and will curtail the last space of freedom. Express...

4.Artificial Intelligence replacing jobs

5.being apolitical is political

6.How has the internet affected marketing

7.Social media and education

8.How social media lingo has changed how we interact with people

9.Which of the dead people int he world would you want to have a conversation with

10.will institutionalized menstrual leaves help or increase the discrimination faced by women 11.how emoticons have changed communication

12. armchair activism and if it actually help in any way

13.the other was about privacy in india and the government's take on them "if you have nothing to hide, then why is there an issue"

14.does violence depicted in media lead to violent behaviour

15.Sports keep us fit and healthy but competitive sports can be dangerous for an athlete. Elaborate.

16.should military service be made mandatory

17.comment on how nostalgia has become a commodity nowadays

18. ‘I choose my gender each time I open my closet.’ Do you agree or disagree

19.Mine was something on whether college-education can help uplift economically-weaker sections of the society. And one of my friends’ topic on clothing choices and gender.

20. automated cars and AI taking over jobs

21. Fictional superhero films show worlds similar to the real world where a hero is needed to fix its problems, do you agree with this

22.should countries host events like Olympics and gave examples of how previous events wasted a lot of money and on the contrary, a lot of countries are still very much interested in hosting these events and asked me whether it was a good deal to host these events.

23.Universal Basic Income good or bad

There was also something about harassment of women in the workplace, idk how it was phrased bc my friend wrote it in r1 (OBVIOUSLY DON'T MENTION ADVANTAGES OF THIS ONE)

Note : You don't need to go in extreme detail on most of these topics, just some preliminary research can go a long way.

Additional Note : After you've done a decent amount of research (honestly i just took 1 day), just write a couple of practice essays and see how many words you reach, if you're consistently hitting the 400 word mark, I think you're good to go. OH AND ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE ESSAY AFTERWARD, YOU WOULD HAVE 100% MADE A SEMANTIC MISTAKE SOMEWHERE, AND MAYBE A SPELLING MISTAKE TOO. (Oh do these practice essays in something that doesn't have automatic spell check that underlines what you spelled wrong so you can make sure you don't make any spelling mistakes during the AAT)

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