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.

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• 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.