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.
