The Journey of Ashoka

Life & Times

The Timeline

304 BCE - 273 BCE

Early Life & Rise to Power

Born as Ashoka Vardhana to Emperor Bindusara and Queen Dharma (or Subhadrangi), young Ashoka showed exceptional military skills from an early age. Despite not being the crown prince, his abilities made him stand out among his brothers.

He served as the Viceroy of Ujjain and Taxila, where he gained valuable administrative experience and quelled rebellions, proving his worth as both a warrior and a leader.

273 BCE - 268 BCE

The Succession & Coronation

After Emperor Bindusara's death, a fierce struggle for succession ensued. According to various sources, Ashoka emerged victorious, though Buddhist texts suggest he had to overcome significant opposition from his brothers.

He was crowned as "Devanampriya Priyadarshi" (Beloved of the Gods, He Who Looks Upon with Affection) in 268 BCE, beginning a reign that would transform the subcontinent.

The Turning Point

The Kalinga War

261 BCE - The conquest that changed everything

The Devastating Conquest

Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) was a prosperous and fiercely independent kingdom. Ashoka launched a massive military campaign to conquer this strategic territory.

The battle was catastrophic. According to Ashoka's own Rock Edict XIII, the war resulted in approximately 100,000 deaths in battle, 150,000 deportations, and many more who died from wounds and famine.

100K

Killed

150K

Deported

∞

Suffering

The Emperor's Remorse

"What have I done? If this is victory, what is defeat? Is this justice or injustice? Is it valor or wickedness?"

Walking through the battlefield strewn with corpses, the stench of death, and the cries of the wounded, Ashoka experienced a profound transformation.

The sight of the destruction he had caused filled him with such remorse that he renounced violence forever and embraced Buddhism, dedicating the rest of his life to Dhamma.

Embracing Buddhism

The Great Transformation

260 BCE Onwards

Conversion to Buddhism

Under the guidance of Buddhist monk Upagupta (or Moggaliputta Tissa), Ashoka embraced Buddhism wholeheartedly. He became a lay follower initially and later became more devoted.

He undertook pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites and began propagating the Buddha's teachings throughout his empire and beyond.

Governance

His Administration & Rule

Judicial Reforms

Established a system of Dharma Mahamatras (officers of righteousness) to ensure justice and moral conduct across the empire.

Public Welfare

Built hospitals for humans and animals, planted medicinal herbs, constructed roads, rest houses, and wells throughout the empire.

Diplomatic Missions

Sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and even to Greek kingdoms, spreading Dhamma globally.

The Edicts

Inscribed his policies and principles on rocks and pillars throughout the empire, creating the first recorded royal proclamations in Indian history.