Comprehensive Notes on Ashoka the Great for UPSC Prelims and Mains

Ashoka the Great, one of India’s most influential emperors, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Indian history. His reign saw the spread of Buddhism, administrative reforms, and the propagation of Dhamma. These notes will provide you with a complete understanding of Ashoka, his policies, and his lasting legacy. This comprehensive guide is tailored for UPSC aspirants preparing for Prelims and Mains GS Paper 1.

Early Life and Accession of Ashoka the Great

Ashoka was born in 304 BCE to Emperor Bindusara and his queen Subhadrangi. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. As a young prince, he displayed immense military prowess and was appointed the governor of Ujjain and Taxila. However, the path to the throne wasn’t easy. After his father’s death, Ashoka fought a bloody battle for succession, eventually becoming emperor in 268 BCE.

The Kalinga War and Ashoka’s Transformation

One of the most significant events in the reign of Ashoka was the Kalinga War (261 BCE). Kalinga, a prosperous state in modern-day Odisha, resisted Mauryan rule. The battle resulted in large-scale destruction, with around 100,000 deaths and 150,000 people displaced. Deeply affected by the suffering, Ashoka renounced warfare and embraced a path of non-violence.

Following the war, Ashoka the Great converted to Buddhism and committed himself to spreading the principles of Dhamma—a code of ethical conduct emphasizing compassion, tolerance, and public welfare.

Edicts of Ashoka the Great

To communicate his message of Dhamma, Ashoka issued a series of edicts. These inscriptions, found on rocks and pillars, provide key insights into his reign, policies, and moral vision.

Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka the Great

Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts are inscribed across different regions of the subcontinent. They reflect his commitment to non-violence, religious tolerance, and welfare of all subjects.

• Girnar (Gujarat)
• Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan)
• Dhauli and Jaugada (Odisha)
• Sopara (Maharashtra)

Ashoka’s Pillar Edicts are particularly famous for their artistic grandeur. The Sarnath Pillar, with its Lion Capital, is now the national emblem of India. Other key locations include:

• Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar)
• Rampurva (Bihar)
• Topra (Haryana)

These edicts outline the responsibilities of the ruler towards his people, focusing on ethical governance, public welfare, and justice.

Ashoka the Great and Buddhism

Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War significantly influenced his policies. He became a devout follower and played an active role in promoting Buddhism across Asia. Ashoka sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia to spread the teachings of the Buddha.

Third Buddhist Council Under Ashoka the Great

Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) around 250 BCE. The purpose of this council was to settle doctrinal disputes within the Buddhist Sangha and ensure the purity of the teachings. The council was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa, a prominent Buddhist monk.

Ashoka’s contribution to Buddhism was so profound that he is often considered one of the key figures in the spread of Buddhism worldwide.

 Administration and Public Welfare

Ashoka’s administration was marked by his emphasis on the welfare of his people. His policies focused on healthcare, infrastructure development, and justice.

• Healthcare: Ashoka built hospitals not only for humans but also for animals, emphasizing compassion towards all living beings.
• Infrastructure: Ashoka planted trees along highways, constructed wells, and built rest houses for travelers.
• Justice: The Pillar Edicts highlight his interest in fair governance, where he urged his officials to treat everyone justly and compassionately.

Legacy of Ashoka

Ashoka’s legacy extends far beyond his reign. His efforts in spreading Buddhism left a lasting impact on India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The Ashoka Chakra, which was found on many of his edicts, is now the symbol on the Indian national flag.

Ashoka’s reign is a unique example of ethical governance where a ruler focused on the moral upliftment of his subjects. His non-violent foreign policy, emphasis on religious tolerance, and efforts toward public welfare serve as an inspiration for modern governance models.

Decline of the Mauryan Empire After Ashoka

After the death of Ashoka in 232 BCE, the Mauryan Empire began to weaken. His immediate successor, Dasharatha Maurya, was unable to hold the empire together. Over time, the empire fragmented, and by 185 BCE, the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha, was overthrown by Pushyamitra Shunga, marking the end of the Mauryan dynasty.

Conclusion

Ashoka’s reign left an indelible mark on Indian history. His transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate ruler is a testimony to the power of ethical governance and public welfare. For UPSC aspirants, Ashoka the Great offers valuable lessons in administration, diplomacy, and moral leadership. His edicts, Buddhist policies, and emphasis on Dhamma are key themes that hold significance for both Prelims and Mains GS Paper 1.