Ashoka

Ashoka was the greatest emperor of the Mauryan Empire  He ruled from 268-232 BC. His name means "without sorrow". Ashoka is often cited as one of India's greatest emperors. After a number of military conquests, he fought a war with the kingdom of Kalinga in which it there were approximately 200,000+ casualties. He conquered Kalinga (present-day Odisha) around 261 BCE. He created a vast empire with a highly centralized state. At its peak it included almost the entire Indian subcontinent. 

Afterwards, shaken by his brutal victory, he decided to leave weapons and lead with peace, not war. To do this, he set up hospitals for animals and humans, created shaded and rested areas along roads for weary travellers to rest, and dug wells in villages. We know these things about his life through various inscriptions (writing) on rocks and pillars. Ashoka also convinced people to follow Dharma. He was a great patron of Buddhism and helped to spread it. The national emblem of India and the "Ashok Chakra" are created by Ashoka. It is in the flag to keep a remembrance of him.

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Category:4th-century BC births
Category:232 BC deaths
Category:Indian monarchs
Category:History of India
Category:History of Pakistan