Explanation: Ashoka, who ruled the Mauryan Empire from 268 BCE to 232 BCE, is one of the most renowned emperors in Indian history. His reign is divided into two distinct phases: the early phase, characterized by military conquests and territorial expansion, and the later phase, marked by the promotion of peace and non-violence.
In the early phase of his reign, Ashoka continued the military conquests initiated by his grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya, and his father, Bindusara. The Mauryan Empire was already a vast and powerful entity, but Ashoka sought to expand its boundaries further. He engaged in numerous military campaigns, which were aimed at consolidating his power and extending the empire's influence.
One of the most significant and brutal wars during this period was the Kalinga War, which took place around 261 BCE. This war was fought to conquer the kingdom of Kalinga, located in the eastern part of India. The Kalinga War was particularly devastating, resulting in a large number of casualties and widespread destruction. The scale of the violence and suffering witnessed during this war had a profound impact on Ashoka, leading him to question the morality of his actions and the cost of war.
The Kalinga War marked a turning point in Ashoka's life and reign. After witnessing the horrors of war, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and adopted its principles of non-violence and compassion. He renounced the use of force and instead focused on promoting peace, justice, and moral governance. He issued edicts that emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, respect for all religions, and the welfare of his subjects.
However, it is crucial to understand that Ashoka's initial focus was indeed on military conquests and territorial expansion. The claim that he continued to fight wars and expand the empire is accurate for the early phase of his reign. It was only after the Kalinga War that his policies and approach to governance underwent a significant transformation.
In summary, when Ashoka became the king, he continued the tradition of military conquests and territorial expansion, which was a common practice among rulers of that era. The Kalinga War was a pivotal event that led to a profound change in his outlook and policies, but it is important to recognize that his early reign was characterized by military campaigns and the expansion of the Mauryan Empire.