Ashoka
Sign in to saveAshoka, also known as Asoka or Aśoka ( ; , ; – 232 BCE), most commonly known as Ashoka the Great, was Emperor of Magadha from until his death, and the third ruler from the Mauryan dynasty. His empire covered a large part of the Indian subcontinent, stretching from present-day Afghanistan in the west to present-day Bangladesh in the east, with its capital at Pataliputra. A patron of Buddhism, he is credited with an important role in the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia.
AI overview
Ashoka the Great was an ancient Indian emperor of the Mauryan dynasty who ruled a vast empire covering much of the Indian subcontinent from Afghanistan to Bangladesh until his death around 232 BCE. He is historically significant as a major patron of Buddhism who played a crucial role in spreading the religion throughout ancient Asia.
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Person · Open Library
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- 0304-01-01
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- 0232-01-01
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Article
56 sectionsContents
- Sources of information
- Inscriptions
- Buddhist legends
- Other sources
- Alternative interpretation of the epigraphic evidence
- Names and titles
- Date
- Ancestry
- As a prince
- Rebellion at Taxila
- Viceroy of Ujjain
- Ascension to the throne
- Date of ascension
- Reign before Buddhist influence
- Kalinga war and conversion to Buddhism
- Kalinga war
- First contact with Buddhism
- Reign after Buddhist influence
- Construction of stupas and temples
- Propagation of Dharma
- Third Buddhist Council
- Buddhist missions
- Violence after conversion
- Family
- Consorts
- Sons
- Daughters
- Brothers
- Imperial extent
- Religion and philosophy
- Relationship with Buddhism
- Other religions
- Dharma
- Animal welfare
- Foreign relations
- Hellenistic world
- Legends about past lives
- Last years
- Tissarakkha as the empress
- Death
- Archaeological remains
- Architecture
- Symbols
- Inscriptions and rock-edicts
- Coinage
- Modern scholarship
- Rediscovery
- Perceptions and historiography
- Impact of pacifism
- In art, film and literature
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Works cited
- Further reading
- External links
Ashoka, also known as Asoka or Aśoka ( ; , ; – 232 BCE), most commonly known as Ashoka the Great, was Emperor of Magadha from until his death, and the third ruler from the Mauryan dynasty. His empire covered a large part of the Indian subcontinent, stretching from present-day Afghanistan in the west to present-day Bangladesh in the east, with its capital at Pataliputra. A patron of Buddhism, he is credited with an important role in the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia.
The Edicts of Ashoka state that during his eighth regnal year (), he conquered Kalinga after a brutal war. Ashoka subsequently devoted himself to the propagation of "dhamma" or righteous conduct, the major theme of the edicts. Ashoka's edicts suggest that a few years after the Kalinga War, he was gradually drawn towards Buddhism. The Buddhist legends credit Ashoka with establishing a large number of stupas, patronising the Third Buddhist council, supporting Buddhist missionaries, and making generous donations to the sangha.