SS6.4.6 Asoka's Rule

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tolerance

willingness to respect
different beliefs and
customs

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stupa

Buddhist
commemorative
burial ground

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eventually

after a time

Lesson 6 Asoka's Rule
Lesson Summary

Power in the Maurya empire
passed from grandfather, to father, to son.

When Chandragupta’s
grandson, Asoka, gained power, at first he waged war.

Then he turned to peace.

Why Did Asoka Turn to Peace?

Asoka gained the throne after many years of fighting.

He then went to war again against the kingdom of
Kalinga, which had resisted
conquest.

Asoka conquered Kalinga,
but the war was long and terrible.

Why Did Asoka Turn to Peace?

The great suffering led Asoka to try to follow the Buddhist ideals of dharma and working for people’s well-being.

To share his ideas,
Asoka had stone pillars, or
columns, set up across his empire that encouraged people to live moral lives.

Why Did Asoka Turn to Peace?

While Asoka respected all religions, he became a follower of Buddhism.


His support helped the religion
spread throughout India.

What Was Asoka's Legacy?

During his 40 years on the throne, Asoka did much to improve the lives of his people.

He set up hospitals, dug wells, and built an excellent
road system.

As a result of Asoka's efforts, India prospered.

What Was Asoka's Legacy?

The country was at peace and there was little crime.

After Asoka died in 232 BCE, the Maurya empire began to struggle.

By 185 BCE, the Maurya empire came to an end.

King
Bindusara
died

After four years
of fighting,
Asoka became
the 3rd Maurya
emperor

Asoka conquered
Kalinga, but was
horrified by the
slaughter

Asoka turned
away from
violence and
decided to follow
Buddhist values

Asoka replaced
rule by force with
rule based on
dharma

The pillars communicated messages

He apologized for making war on Kalinga, and he
explained his new goals

He urged respect for all religions

Encouraged people to live moral lives

Stupas were Buddhist memorial burial mounds

His respect for dharma and ahimsa and belief in
tolerance helped lead to a peaceful reign.

He set up hospitals, dug wells and built an excellent
road system.

There was little crime.

People could leave their homes unguarded and
travel the country without fear.