Ashok: A Short Biography of Ashoka the Great of India
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The Life of Ashoka the Great
According to Wikipedia, H.G. Wells wrote:
"In the history of the world there have been thousands of kings and emperors who call themselves "their highnesses," "their majesties", and "their exalted majesties" and so on. They shone for a brief moment, and as quickly disappeared. But Ashoka shines and shines brightly like a bright star, even unto this day."
Ashoka was the first ruler to unify all of India. He was also the first Buddhist King who after his conversion to Buddhism attempted to embrace nonviolence and Buddhist principles as part of royal policies Today, he is considered one of India's greatest leaders.
Ashoka the Great ruled India from 273 BC until 232 BC. Despite the acclaim held by H.G. Wells, for many Americans, Ashoka is not well known. This hub is an effort to elucidate the achievements of this historical figure. This is targeted to those who are not familiar with Ashok.
A Talented Military Leader
Ashoka was born in 304 BC. He was the son of the Mauryan Emperor Bindusara. He had one younger brother and also older half-brothers. Early on, he showed great promise. When he started showing success as a military leader, his older brothers began to fear that Ashoka would ascend to the throne.
When an uprising occurred in the Takshashila province, Prince Susima suggested to his father that Ashoka would be the best person to deal with it. When news reached the province that Ashoka was coming, the fighting stopped. The militia who had started the revolt welcomed Ashoka's arrival.
With this victory, Susima became more concerned about Ashoka. He portrayed him as power hungry and ambitious. Soon, he had convinced his father to exile Ashoka to Kalinga.
Exile
In Kalinga, Ashoka fell in love with Kaurwaki who worked as a fisherwoman. She would later be one of his many wives.
His exile was soon ended when there was an uprising in Ujjain Province. Emperor Bindusara now called Ashoka back from exile and sent him to Ujjain. This time there was a great battle and Ashoka was seriously hurt.
During his recovery, he was overseen by Buddhist monks and nuns. It was during this time that he first learned about Buddhism. He fell in love with his nurse Devi. She too would become one of his wives.
The Death of the Emperor
The year after the battle at Ujjain, the Emperor Bindusara became very sick. It was clear that he would die. Soon, a war broke out between all of his sons over who would succeed the emperor.
After a series of battles, Ashoka killed many of his brothers. He thus attained the throne in 274 BC. For the first eights years of his rule, he became famous for his brutaiity and his desire to expand the Mauryan Empire.
His nickname at this time was Chandashoka which means "cruel Ashoka".
Battle of Kalinga
So, when Ashoka was in his eighth year of rule, his wife Devi gave birth two twins: Prince Mahindra and Princess Sanghamitra.
He also learned that one of his brothers was hiding in Kalinga. Ashoka was outraged that any place would aid his brother. He launched a full invasion of the province. In the fighting, thousands of people were killed and large areas of land were ravaged.
After the battle, Ashoka decided to look over the destruction. The place that he had once been exiled now lay in utter collapse with houses burned down and many bodies still unburied. It was said that this was the first time that Ashoka saw the direct impact of war.
According to legend, upon seeing the utter devastation, he said: "What have I done?" For the rest of his life, he would not forget the horror that he saw on this day.
Conversion to Buddhism
It is said that his wife Devi accompanied him at Kalinga. She was so bothered by what she saw that she left his side. She ran away and never returned.
Devi was Buddhist and perhaps this in combination with Ashoka's memory of learning about Buddhist principles led him to change his ways.
From this point on, he embraces Buddhism. He took on the Buddhists Radhaswami and Manjushri as his teachers. He decided that he would base the rest of his rule on Buddhist principles.
The First Buddhist King
Ashoka now reversed course. He set free all of his prisoners and returned their property.
There is a story that the pregnant wife of one of his brothers escaped the palace before she could be killed. The baby survived and was brought up by Buddhist monks and nuns. When the boy was 13, he was discovered by Ashoka who learned the boy's identity. Ashoka, at this time, felt so much shame that he moved the boy and his mother to live in the palace.
At this time, he got a new name. Instead of Chandashoka, he became known as Dharmashoka which means "pious Ashoka."
Great Public Works Projects
Ashoka now begins a massive public works project where he orders the creation of thousands of Buddhist buildings. He builds stupas which are mounds that house Buddhist relics and he builds viharas which are Buddhist monasteries. He orders the construction of roadhouses for travelers which are free of charge.
He created edicts which protect wildlife against sport hunting and he promotes the vegetarianism. He initiates the building of universities, irrigation systems, and hospitals.
He signs peace treaties with many of the neighboring kingdom even though with India's resources, he would have little trouble to conquer them outright.
Equality for All
Ashoka takes the very innovative position of protecting minority interests in India. He required nonviolence as well as loerance of all other religions and all opinions.
Wikipedia writes:
"Dharmashoka also defined the main principles of dharma as nonviolence, tolerance of all sects and opinions, obedience to parents and other religious teachers and priests, liberality toward friends, humane treatment of servants, and generosity towards all."
Death of Ashoka
Ashoka ruled for over 40 years. 50 years after his death, the Mauryan Empire came to an end. He had numerous wives and many heirs but most of their names are lost. Buddhism did not, of course, stay the state religion of India. Still, empowered by Ashoka, Buddhism quickly spread outside of India's borders into Southeast Asia.
Today, the Ashokra Chakra, the Wheel of Dharma, is featured on the national flag of India. Ashoka used this image on many of his constructions. The wheel has 24 spokes which represent:
- Love
- Courage
- Patience
- Peacefulness
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
- Selflessness
- Self sacrifice
- Truthfulness
- Righteousness
- Justice
- Mercy
- Graciousness
- Humility
- Empathy
- Sympathy
- Godly knowledge
- Godly wisdom
- Godly moral
- Reverential fear of God
- Hope/trust/faith in the goodness of God
References
- "The History of Ashoka the Great", Laura Davis, ezinearticles.com
- "Ashoka the Great", Wikipedia
- "Ashoka Chakra", Wikipedia
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usefull for projects
Thanks for the article, helped alot with a school project.
The images were specially useful, so thanks =)
thats v.good for students of history
Jainisum promotes ahimsa and vegitarian diet.
Bhudha himself ate meat and his last meal was pork !
So there is no reason to believe Bhuddhism was the reason for the king's aversion to war.
Indeed, his family was famously Jain and it is probably this which made him turn to Ahinsa in later life.
He supported Bhudists along with all other religins and all Indian kings have done this. Just because a rest house or a temple is inaugurated by the king, does not mean he has financially supported it - he is simply a famous person called to "cut the ribbon".
Not all projects named after Indira or Ravjiv or Sanjay Gandhi were financed by them - similarly - many acts are carried out in the name of the king to garner official and popular support without the king's personal involvement.
In my view, there is no clear evidence of Ashok being a Bhuddhist - he was more probbably Jain. Even his edicts never spell out his affiliation to that religion. It is simply the cherished wish of the latter-day archilogists of ASI, Congress and Dalits that have made him a Bhuddhist emperor.
Hi B Shah,
Thanks for your view. In my article, I am stating the conventional viewpoint.
Since we are talking about a historical figure, the data available is open to different interpretations and debate. While I am no scholar, I welcome these types of discussions. :-)
In my view, there are two major question raised by your reasoning that need to be answered. Let us assume that Asoka supported Buddism in name only. There is no doubt that it was under his reign that Buddism greatly rose in stature. If not Asoka, then who was the true sponsor of Buddhism who dared to pursue it under the watch of a King who previously had been ruthless and cruel? Also, how do you account for Asoka's change of behavior as King? These types of transformations are historically quite rare. If he stuck with the views of his family, what accounts for his change of ruling style that coincided with his significant support for Buddhism?
Until you identify clearly who the "true" sponsor is and until you can explain the basis of the change in Asoka's ruling style, I find myself finding the conventional explanation of Asoka as a Buddhist to be the far simpler and neater explanation of the world events that occurred.
I would be very glad to hear your thinking if you find yourself able to answer these two questions.
Cheers,
-Larry
Exelent job
informative. nice pics
Dear Sir, The date mentioned after 8 years of his reign he adopted the budhism but it seems that it was quite earlier as per the various sources available as I am also the History background. I want to know the authentic date which might be mentioned in the edicts/inscriptions.
Hi Kuldeep,
Thanks for your comment. My source is mostly Wikipedia so if you have any corrections, feel free to post them in your comments.
-Larry
I have seen this movie and loved it so much. What I didn't know is the fact that it is a true story and all the history behind it. Great hub.
Ashok was not a buddhist but he become a buddhist to transfrom himself from cruelty to humane being. Mr B Shah just get up and open your mind try to accept the historical reality if you are a hindu just donot be a hindu try to be a humane being first then you can see the fact and true world.
it is more useful for students of history.
really helpful and has details.(info will be used for a project)
Thanks!! i just used some of this info for a school project
THE INFORMATION ABOVE WAS VERY USEFUL. IT MUST BE VERY DIFFICULT TO COLLECT THEM THOUGH
I was wondering where the image of Ashoka that is displayed here was found please?
Kind regards
Helen
Thanks , Very much useful for students of history.
I found your site after listening to the BBC History of the World in 100 objects radoi programme on the Pillar of Ashoka - have a listen online, Neil Macgregor makes a few points you may find interesting. Thanks for filling in some visuals of the pillars. However, I am a bit concerned that you use Wikipedia as a source as I have been constantly warned by my tutors in the English University courses I have taken NOT to reference Wikipedia as it is inherently flawed and cannot be cited as an authority, useful as it is as introductory material.
I agree that it is a very good idea to question wikipedia as a reference. I have not yet verified my facts with other sources.
I plan to do this in the future.
It is from wikipedia. You should probably be able to find it if you check my links.
Hi! larry
Enjoyed your article. There many other things in India for which Ashoka and his children are remembered in India, Sri Lanka etc. I used picture of Ashoka you displayed for my article on "Why I am vegetarian" (http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-I-am-a-vegetarian-Life ). I also give reference to your article for the picture. He was indeed a trend setter not only for style in India but several other countries.
Very good ! It is good to learn from the history of Ashok ,the great. It becomes easy too learn from the pictures.
Very good ! It is good to learn from the history of Ashok ,the great. It becomes easy too learn from the pictures.
Very happy to know about king Ashoka.He was from bihar.i have already said that bihar has provided many legend.One of the legend is king Ashoka.so i'am going to bihar
Very happy to know about king ashoka.He was a great man from bihar
fabulousand excelent job
Fascinating Hub. I continue to be very interested in the History and Spiritual paths of people around the world. This Hub is full of information I did not know about. Thank you.
:)) nice...
Regading his faith to Budhism it is important to note that King Ashoka abuilt a huge pillar in the name of Buddha in Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha, which is in Nepal. It is still known as 'Askoka stamva-(pillar)'. It substantiates his faith towards Buddhism. He born in Lumbini, Nepal and enlightened in Gaya, Bihar.
Excellent! man
Its indeed a great informative post. Ashok's turn over was exemplary for today's leaders as well. In relation read this article another nice one as well.
Nice to read more about Ashok, I've rated you up!
Very well written and researched. Feels good to find someone with a good view of Indian History from outside, when we in India are so fast forgetting it.
all i wanted was this...
It is a good experiance to readabout my fav.
thanks for this.
its is good experiance but they have not metioned the name of buddhist monk who lead him buddhism
excellent, pictures help us to learn properly
article is not informative as i thought it would be.it is plaguraized from wikipedia which is not a good site to get info from.
Hi @loveshistory, I'm sorry that it was not as informative as you would have liked.
In my view, plagiarism is a pretty strong charge. It means copying from a source and claiming it as your own. In this article, no text was copied. All quotes are cited as quotes. All facts in this article are taken primarily from Wikipedia. That is correct, At the same time, Wikipedia is clearly referenced as a source for this article.
If you disagree with my definition of plagiarism, please let me know.
If you see any inaccuracies, please state them. I am very glad to update the article.
For the record, I also love history. I wrote this article as part of my own interest in the life of Ashoka.
THIS article is very benificial for history student and those who intrested in history of india
Ashok Maurya or Ashoka (Devan?gar?: ????, Bangla: ????, IAST: A?oka, IPA: [a??o?k?], ca. 304–232 BC), popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from ca. 269 BC to 232 BC.[1] One of India's greatest emperors, Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests. His empire stretched from present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan in the west, to the present-day Bangladesh and the Indian state of Assam in the east, and as far south as northern Kerala and Andhra
thanks it was really usefull in project I did
thank you Larry Freeman
king ashoka is emperor of emperor , great man real hero of
indian people
it is a very nice thing to and kor school asginments and projects
i loved reading this
excellent!!!!!!
thank you larry free man by same diya who commented before
A great collaboration of Information about a Great king! Indeed a good work by Larry Freeman. Are you a follower of Indian History or a History Prof?
Kindly read more about the two phases of Ashoka's Life... Chandashoka and Dharmashoka and provide your expert insight.
http://www.fiestalife.com/2011/08/26/the-ashoka-ma
Regards
Good article. Helped me in my school project
Interesting and useful information
very useful topic in history
None of Emperor Ashok's edicts clearly says that he adopt Buddhism. Further, his edicts are nearer to Jain way of life.
I thinks that his conversion to Buddhism was just an 'invention' by later Buddhist texts.
If Emperor Ashok's Grand Father Chandragupt Maurya and father Bindusar were Jains, and if Ashok's son Kunal and Grandson Samprati also were Jains, I doubt that Ashok was a Buddhist.
really usfull got first price cuz of this
realy this article help me in my project thanx sir
We must note that the story of Conversion of emperor Ashok to Buddhism found in few Buddhist texts only, none of his edicts clearly indicate that he was converted to Buddhism.
Further, most of the writers avoid to write from which religion he converted to Buddhism, and others blindly write that he was a Hindu (Vedic?) before converting.
But there are evidences that he was a Jain.....
thanks! it really helped in my project very much !!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was really great. I had to write an essay, and this gave me a lot of help. Thanks so much! :)
how much he cover when he dont have mobile laptop and no technology this is strength of bihar. this land produce ashoka and guru govind singh
This article give very help in our school project so thanks yaar...!
Now i came to now about ashoka
Great job.Usefull for school projects.
great job and helps in school projects
i like this ariticle
oh great! i have completed my project work of social science
Thanks Sir!!! Now i know abt ASHOKA THA GREAT...
very informative thankyou
very well wrote
i loved it but can i have the pictures of this wonderful story
really he was the great.
Hi one question....6. How did Ashoka’s character and beliefs change over the course of his reign?
nice
it helped me in my project thanx..............its awesome yaar lovely....
its awesome!!!!!!!it helped me to understand about ashoka the great......its lovely thanx man.......i really like it.....
Shame the 24 spokes do not apply to the Sikh nation of India, who sacrificed 80% of them selves for country, even though they only make up only 2% of the entire population. Long live the Sikhs the saint warriors
very very ............................................................................useful
very very .....................................................................................................................useful
very nice n interesting article.it helped me knowing Great Ashoka in a better way...
VARSHA 3 years ago
This is a very educational article. I really found this very interesting.I felt that the language could be a bit better but this was truly rocking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!