- Ashoka the Great was a ruler of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India who initially sought to expand his empire through military conquest, most notably in the Kalinga War that resulted in over 250,000 deaths. He was deeply disturbed by the violence and converted to Buddhism, becoming a advocate of non-violence and compassion. - As a Buddhist ruler, Ashoka established edicts outlining just laws and placed them throughout his empire to spread messages of peace and welfare. He sought to treat both people and animals with medical care and establish a just legal system for uniform treatment of citizens. - After Ashoka's death, the Mauryan Empire declined over 50 years under weaker rulers until being overtaken by

3.  He was from the
Mauryan family in
India
 He united all of
the fragmented
states after
Alexander the
Great’s death
 He ruled very
strictly

4.  His empire is the largest Indian empire ever in
history
 He ruled very strictly. He created laws on
everything in society from trade to gender
behaviors
 Hinduism was still dominant in India, even
though Buddhism was already rapidly
spreading

9.  Took control after
Chandragupta’s
death
 He encouraged
trade with other
empires like
Greece
 He kept the
empire unified
 His son was
Ashoka the Great

10.  Like his
grandfather, he
was focused on
expansion of the
empire
 He leads India
into the bloody
Kalinga War

11.  Ashoka the Great wanted to expand into the
Kalinga region of the sub-continent in 262 BCE
 The region was very valuable because it could
provide coastal trading with southeast Asia

12.  The number of deaths rose to 250,000 people
 Ashoka the Great was disgusted by his
actions and swore to be a more peaceful ruler

14.  To become more
peaceful, Ashoka
converts from
Hinduism to
Buddhism
 He does not force
his citizens to
convert with him
though

15.  He placed edicts
with laws and
Buddhist
sayings around
his empire
 He wanted to
spread his
message

16.  Red each quote that was
inscribed on Ashoka’s pillars
 Write down:
 Your interpretation of what it means
(What is it saying?)
 Your explanation as to why this
would be a successful governing
tactic

17. “On the
roads…trees have
been planted for the
enjoyment of
animals and men. I
have had ponds dug
and shelters erected
along the roads.
Everywhere I have
had wells dug.”

18. “My officers have been
appointed for the
welfare and happiness
of the…people. I have
given them…authority
in judgment and
punishment. But it is
desirable that there
should be uniformity in
judicial [trial] procedure
and punishment”

19. “If the
unconquered
peoples on my
border ask what
is my will, they
should
understand this:
I desire that they
should trust me
and have only
happiness in
their dealings
with me”

20. “Everywhere, I,
Ashoka, King of
Priyadarsi,
Beloved of the
Gods, have
arranged for two
kinds of medical
treatment: medical
treatment for men
and treatment for
animals”

21.  After Ashoka’s death, he was
followed by 50 years of
weaker emperors
 The last Mauryan emperor
Brihadratha was assassinated
in 185 BCE, and the Shunga
Dynasty was established
 The Greco-Bactrian king
Demetrius took over the
empire in 180 BCE and
formed the Indo-Greek
Kingdom