King Ashoka

Definition

King Ashoka was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled from approximately 268 to 232 BCE, known for his significant role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia. His reign is often marked by his conversion to Buddhism after the bloody Kalinga War, leading him to promote the principles of dharma and non-violence. Ashoka's efforts included the construction of stupas and pillars inscribed with edicts that articulated his policies on morality and governance, influencing architectural forms in Buddhist countries and inspiring iconographic programs in cave temples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ashoka converted to Buddhism after witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga War, which influenced his subsequent promotion of peace and non-violence.
2. He built numerous stupas, including the famous Sanchi Stupa, which served as important centers for Buddhist worship and pilgrimage.
3. The edicts on Ashoka's pillars are some of the earliest written records of Buddhism, outlining his commitment to dharma and social welfare.
4. Ashoka sent missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka and Central Asia, significantly spreading Buddhist teachings beyond India.
5. His reign is often considered a golden age for Buddhism, with significant advancements in art, architecture, and education related to Buddhist practices.

Review Questions

• How did King Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism shape his policies during his reign?
  • King Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War fundamentally transformed his approach to governance. He embraced the principles of dharma, emphasizing non-violence, compassion, and moral conduct. This shift led him to implement policies that prioritized social welfare and ethical governance, including building hospitals and promoting religious tolerance. His focus on spreading Buddhist teachings also resulted in monumental constructions like stupas and inscribed pillars that communicated these values.
• Discuss the significance of the Pillars of Ashoka in understanding his impact on Buddhist architecture and iconography.
  • The Pillars of Ashoka hold immense significance as they are among the earliest examples of monumental architecture that convey Buddhist principles through inscriptions. These pillars not only served as markers of his reign but also influenced later architectural forms across Theravada Buddhist countries. The inscriptions on these pillars often depicted moral teachings and narratives aligned with Buddhist iconography, thereby establishing a template for future cave temples and religious structures that embody similar themes.
• Evaluate how King Ashoka's policies facilitated the spread of Buddhism across Asia during and after his reign.
  • King Ashoka's policies were instrumental in propagating Buddhism beyond India through a combination of architectural initiatives and missionary activities. By constructing stupas and inscribing edicts promoting Buddhist values, he created a strong visual and ideological foundation for the faith. His decision to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka and Central Asia, ensured that Buddhist teachings were disseminated widely. This proactive approach not only solidified his legacy but also played a crucial role in shaping Buddhist culture across diverse regions in Asia.

Related terms

Dharma: A key concept in Buddhism referring to the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides an individual’s life.

Stupa: A dome-shaped structure used as a Buddhist shrine, which often contains relics and is a focal point for meditation and worship.

Pillars of Ashoka: A series of columns dispersed throughout the Indian subcontinent, inscribed with Ashoka's edicts promoting Buddhism and ethical governance.