Thursday, 19 February 2015

ASHOKA THE GREAT



One of the world’s greatest rulers was Samrat Ashoka. He was the grandson of the first ruler of the Maurya dynasty, Chandragupta Maurya. Information about Emperor Ashoka is obtained from the stone inscriptions, carved pillars and edicts found all over the country.

Since  young age, Ashoka was courageous, dignified adventurous and good administrator. So he was sent to take charge of Avanti. There he married Shakya kumara, a daughter of a merchant. They had two children, Mahindra and Sanghmitra. Later, in 268 B.C. he was crowned the king by the demand of the court ministers and subjects.

Emperor Ashoka ruled over a vast empire, which stretched from Kashmir and Nepal to Mysore and from Afghanistan to Saurashtra. But only the Patriotic people of Kalinga (Orissa) refused to accept his sovereignty. So Ashoka attacked Kalinga with his vast army. The fierce battle resulted in lot of bloodshed.

Ashoka was full of remorse after witnessing this devastation caused by his attack. So he took oath that he would never take up arms again. The Kalinga was proved to be his first and last war.

Gautam Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, kindness and love for mankind, opened a new path of life for Ashoka. He accepted Buddhism and sent his representatives all around the country and outside the country, to spread the message of Buddha.

For the welfare of his subjects, he undertook many useful projects like building hospitals for people as well as animals, wells and water reservoirs for the travelers, planting trees along the roadsides etc. Ashoka gave importance to education, agriculture and trade.

Emperor Ashoka built many Stoopas and Viharas. Carved figures of four lions on the Ashoka pillar is now official emblem of the government of India. Ashoka Chakra has the place of honour on the National Flag of India. 



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