Ancient India Biography Activity Storyboard

Early Life and Becoming King

Ashoka's grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya, came from humble beginnings before overthrowing the Nanda Empire in India and creating the MauryanEmpire.This empire expanded to become the largest empire in ancient India. It included most of modern day India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, which at the time was controlled by the Greeks.

Chandragupta gave his throne to his son, Bindusara, who ruled from 297 BCE until his death in 272 BCE.Ashoka was not in line for the throne when his father died. However, he seized power from his brother and a four-year-long bloody civil war ensued. Ashoka killed all opposition to his rule. He became king in 268 BCE. His ruthlessness earned him the name Ashoka the Fierce.

Ashoka the Fierce



While the Mauryan Empire was already massive. Ashoka wanted to conquer more territory, and he did so violently. Kalinga in southeast India, rich in resources and trading ports along the Indian Ocean, was one such conquest. In 261 BCE, Ashoka sent his armies to conquer Kalinga. The Mauryan Army was the largest force of its time with 600,000 foot soldiers, 30,000 cavalry, and 9,000 war elephants!The Kalingans were crushed with about 100,000 dead and 150,000 taken as prisoners. When he saw the devastation he had caused, Ashoka the Fierce had a change of heart.

Converting to Buddhism

and Ashoka's Edicts

After the conquer of Kalinga, Ashoka changed his ways, rejected violence, and embraced Buddhism. He promoted the tenets of peace, love, and non-violence, respecting all living things. He even became a vegetarian and banned animal cruelty.

Ashoka spread his message by having edicts carved and placed throughout his Empire. The edicts instructed his people on how to live with kindness, respect, and tolerance for all.

Ashoka the Great

Architecture flourished under Ashoka's rule. Stone sculptures were crafted, most famously the Lion Capital at Sarnath. He built hospitals, botanical gardens, roads, wells, and other helpful infrastructure throughout his empire. However, while he no longer used his armies for conquest, he did not return any of the land he conquered and he still kept a large army, had strict laws, and permitted slavery and executions.

Legacy

After Ashoka's death in 232 BCE, the Mauryan Empire went into decline.

Ashoka the Great continues to be honored in India today. Symbols of his rule are everywhere, like the Wheel of the Law (the Ashoka Chakra) on the Indian flag and the Lions at Sarnathonmoney (rupees).Ashoka is remembered for turning to peace, uniting India, and spreading Buddhism throughout India and abroad.

King Ashoka the Great

Mauryan Empire

(Ruled 268 BCE - 232 BCE)