ASHOKA THE GREAT (268-232Bc)
Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta and son of Bindusara(Bindusara was successer of chandragupta and died in 273bc) and is regarded as one of the greatest king of all times. He was the first ruler to maintain direct contact with the people and ruled for 40 years. Ashoka could occupy the throne of the Mauryan empire only after a war of succession (273-268bc) between him and his brothers.
Ashoka killed his brothers amd asscended the throne of mauryan empire in 268 bc. He then waged war on neighbor kingdoms and extended his empire
EXTENT OF THE EMPIRE
ASHOKA'S empire covered the whole territory from Hindukush to Bengal and extended over Afghanistan, Baluchistan and the whole India with exceptions of a small area on the farthest south. Kashmir and the valleys of Nepal were also annexed by him. It was the biggest Indian empire and Ashoka was the first Indian King who ruled over almost the whole India.
The Kalinga War
The Kalinga war was an important war during Ashoka's rule which changed his attitudes towards life. In 265BC, Ashoka Invaded kalinga (orrisa) and occupied it after widespread destruction and bloodshed. This lead to conversion of Ashoka and he became buddhist. This weakened his administration which slowly led to the decline of the Mauryan empire
Aspects of Ashoka's Reign: -
Ashoka's empire was divided into provinces with a viceroy in each province. He established Dharamshalas,Hospitals,and Sarais throughout his kimgdom.
Dharma Mahapatras were appointed to preach to the people. Bhuddism spread during his reign as a state relogion and inscription of Buddhist principles were engraved on rocks. He organised a network of missionaries to preach the Doctrine both in his kingdomand beyond. Ashoka sent missionaries to Ceylon,Burma and other South East Asian regions, notably Thailand, to spread the doctrine of Buddhism. He evolved a policy of Dharma Vijaya 'Conquest by piety'
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