Name: Controlling a Giant: The Structure of the Mauryan Empire
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 5 min 1 s
Description: The Mauryan Empire was the largest in the history of India. It was controlled through a complex network of officials and a division of territory.

Question

Why is Ashoka called 'Great'?

Accepted Answer

Ashoka was one of the greatest mighty rulers of Ancient India.

His reign was marked by both - war and conflicts and peace and harmony.

He started his reign as a cruel ruler who believed in Digvijaya or the violent extermination of his enemies.

The most significant war of his career is the Kalinga war fought in $261$ BC which transformed his life.

Though Ashoka won the war, he became riddled with guilt on seeing the death, bloodshed, and destruction caused by the war.

This encouraged him to pursue a life of peace and harmony and so, Ashoka gave up war.

He adopted Buddhism and even propagated what came to be known as Ashoka's Dhamma which comprised a set of teachings and principles borrowed from an array of religions.

He inscribed these teachings on large stone pillars that form an important part of Mauryan architecture today.

He sent his ministers to far-away places like Egypt, Ceylon, and Greece to preach the principles of his Dhamma and the teachings of Buddha.

Why is Ashoka called 'Great'?

Important Questions on The Mauryas and The Sungas

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