| Ashoka | |
|---|---|
 A c. 1st century BCE/CE relief from Sanchi, showing Ashoka on his chariot, visiting the Koliyas at Ramagrama. | |
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Other Names |
Ashoka, Asoka, Aśoka |
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Born |
304 BC |
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Died |
232 BC |
Origin[]
Ashoka, also known as Asoka or Aśoka, and popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was Emperor of Magadha in the Indian subcontinent from 268 BCE until 232 BCE, and the third ruler from the Mauryan dynasty. His empire covered a large part of the Indian subcontinent, stretching from present-day Afghanistan in the west to present-day Bangladesh in the east, with its capital at Pataliputra. A patron of Buddhism, he is credited with playing an important role in the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia.
Ashoka's edicts state that during his eighth regnal year (c. 260 BCE), he conquered Kalinga after a brutal war. Ashoka subsequently devoted himself to the propagation of "dhamma" or righteous conduct, the major theme of the edicts. Ashoka's edicts suggest that a few years after the Kalinga War, he was gradually drawn towards Buddhism. The Buddhist legends credit Ashoka with establishing a large number of stupas, patronising the Third Buddhist council, supporting Buddhist missionaries, making generous donations to the sangha.
Ashoka's existence as a historical emperor had almost been forgotten, but since the decipherment in the 19th century of sources written in the Brahmi script, Ashoka holds a reputation as one of the greatest Indian emperors. The emblem of the modern Republic of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka. Ashoka's wheel, the Ashoka Chakra, is adopted at the centre of the National Flag of India.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Ashoka before January 1, 1929 are public domain.
Some Notable Appearances are listed below:
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Mahāvaṃsa
- Ashokavadana
- Asokavadanamala
- Vamsatthapakasini or Mahavamsa-tika
- Dipavamsa
- Divyavadana
- A-yu-wang-chuan
- Rajatarangini
- Dasavatthuppakarana
- Trai Bhumi Katha
- Kalpana-manditika
- Jataka-mala
- Maha-karma-vibhaga
- Shih chia ju lai ying hua lu
- The Nine Unknown.
Public Domain Movie appearances[]
- Ashoka (1922)
- Samrat Ashok (1928)
Notes[]
- During his reign, the Maurya Empire became one of the biggest empires in the world in terms of area, economy, and military. The achievements in the fields of science and education made the Maurya period the Golden Age of India.