Against his father’s wish (wanted his son Susima to succeed him), Ashoka finally succeeded him, but it took another four years until his coronation around 269 BCE. A ruler of the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka ruled over the country from 273 BC to 232 BC. The empire that Ashoka ruled was founded by his grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya, more than 2300 years ago.
The reign of Emperor Asoka covered most of India, South Asia and beyond, stretching from present day Afghanistan and parts of Persia in the west, to Bengal and Assam in the east, and Mysore in the south.
However, the Battle of Kalinga changed King Asoka completely. Ashoka fought a war to conquer Kalinga. However, he was so horrified when he saw the violence and bloodshed that he decided not to fight any more wars. He is the only king in the history of the world who gave up conquest after winning a war.
Asoka goes to Buddhism which helped to transform it from local into a world religion. He recalls his empire and to some extent in the method of his administration to while his edicts rugged uncouth involved full of repetition. He patronized art and architectures including installation many Dharmastambhas or pillar of morality.
After his death in 232, his empire lasted for just fifty more years.
Ashoka the Great
