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Buddha Statue

Asoka


 California Standard 6.5.6 Describe the growth of the Maurya empire and the political and moral achievements of the emperor Asoka. 

Asoka was the grandson of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta. After taking the throne, he attacked Kalinga on India's east coast. Asoka won the battle, but the war made him think about what type of ruler he wanted to be. He devoted his reign to spreading the peaceful teachings of Buddha.

Asoka built roads, hospitals, and many temples and shrines. He also built pillars with the teachings of Buddha carved on them in different languages. Asoka sent many teachers to spread the words of Buddha to other countries.

Asoka was a devout Buddhist, but he also respected other religions and guaranteed freedom of religion. He believed that his role as king was like that of a father. He wrote, "All men are as my children. As for my own children, I desire that they may be provided with all the welfare and happiness of this world..."

 

Explore History

See some of the art and architecture of Asoka's time. Works of art tell a lot about the people who made them.

The Big Picture

Asoka wrote many edicts. Glance at a few of them to get a feel for his philosophy. In the second Kalinga rock edict, he said, "The people of the unconquered territories beyond the borders might think: ?What is the king's intentions towards us?? My only intention is that they live without fear of me, that they may trust me and that I may give them happiness, not sorrow."

Primary Sources

Asoka had his edicts carved on stone pillars and large rocks so they would last for many generations. Read about some of the ways Indian history was recorded.