Ashoka, the son of Bindusara and grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, ruled the Maurya Empire from 268 BCE. Initially a governor of Ujjain and Takshashila, he took the throne after a struggle with his brothers. The devastating Kalinga War led him to embrace Buddhism and promote non-violence.
BulletsIn
- Ashoka was Bindusara’s son, initially governing Ujjain & Takshashila.
- Gained the throne in 268 BCE after defeating his brothers.
- Took four years between ascending the throne (273 BCE) and coronation (268 BCE).
- His mother was Subhadrangi; his wives included Devi, Asandhimitra, and Karuvaki.
- Children: Sons—Mahendra, Tivara, Kunal, Taluka; Daughters—Sanghamitra, Charumati.
- Conquered Kalinga (modern Odisha) in his 9th year as emperor.
- The war caused ~100,000 deaths, deeply affecting Ashoka.
- Shifted focus to “Dhamma” (moral governance) and non-violence.
- Adopted Buddhism under monk Upagupta and spread it across Asia.
- Died in 232 BCE after ruling for 40 years; empire later divided into eastern and western regions.




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