Ashoka the Great - Kings of India | History for Kids | Educational Videos by Mocomi

Summary

Ashoka, the Indian emperor from Magadha, expanded his empire dramatically after ascending the throne. However, the devastating Battle of Kalinga led to his conversion to Buddhism, prompting a shift towards peace and compassion. He promoted Buddhism as the state religion, constructed stupas and biharas, and focused on infrastructure development. Ashoka's reign is remembered for his compassionate rule, leaving a legacy as a wise ruler and preacher of dharma, before his death at 72.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Ashoka's empire was vast, stretching from modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan to Assam and Bangladesh, and even into parts of Iran and Persia.
• 👑 Ashoka was initially known for his fierce temper and cruelty, earning the nickname 'Chand Ashoka', meaning 'Ashoka the Fierce'.
• 🛡️ The Kalinga war was a turning point for Ashoka, leading to significant loss of life and leaving a deep impact on him.
• 🌿 After the Kalinga war, Ashoka adopted Buddhism and embraced its message of peace, making it the state religion.
• 🏰 He constructed thousands of stupas and viharas, many of which still stand today.
• 🏫 Ashoka focused on the development of his kingdom by building universities, water transit, and irrigation systems.
• 🛣️ He improved infrastructure by constructing hospitals, renovating roads, and promoting trade and agriculture.
• 🌐 Ashoka's rule was marked by equality, treating subjects fairly regardless of their background.
• 📜 Our knowledge of Ashoka's rule comes from inscriptions he had carved on pillars and rocks throughout his kingdom.
• ❤️ The inscriptions emphasize compassionate living, spreading peace, and love.
• 👴 Ashoka ruled for 40 years and died at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of a wise ruler, lawmaker, and preacher of dharma.

Q & A

Where was Ashoka's kingdom headquartered?

Ashoka's kingdom was headquartered in Magadha, which is in present-day Bihar.

What was the extent of Ashoka's kingdom at its peak?

At its peak, Ashoka's kingdom stretched from Pakistan and Afghanistan in the west to Assam and Bangladesh in the east, and as far south as Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

What significant event caused a change in Ashoka's approach to ruling?

The bloody battle of Kalinga, where Ashoka witnessed the devastation and suffering caused by war, led to a change in his approach to ruling.

What was Ashoka's nickname before his conversion to Buddhism?

Before his conversion to Buddhism, Ashoka was nicknamed 'Chand Ashoka,' which meant 'Ashoka the Fierce.'

Why did Ashoka invade the kingdom of Kalinga?

Ashoka invaded the kingdom of Kalinga because they refused to submit to his rule.

How many soldiers were estimated to have died in the war with Kalinga?

It is estimated that 100,000 soldiers of the Kalinga army died in the war, and Ashoka lost around 10,000 of his men.

What religion did Ashoka adopt after the Kalinga war?

Ashoka adopted Buddhism after the Kalinga war, embracing its message of peace.

What did Ashoka do to promote Buddhism within and outside his kingdom?

Ashoka made Buddhism the state religion, propagated its message, built thousands of stupas and viharas, and promoted compassionate living and peace.

What infrastructure improvements did Ashoka make during his reign?

Ashoka built universities, water transit and irrigation systems, hospitals, and renovated major roads to promote trade, agriculture, and the well-being of his subjects.

How did Ashoka treat his subjects?

Ashoka treated his subjects equally, regardless of their politics, culture, or class.

How did Ashoka's rule leave its mark through inscriptions?

Ashoka's rule is known through inscriptions he had carved on pillars and rocks throughout his kingdom, which speak of compassionate living, spreading peace, and love.

At what age did Ashoka pass away?

Ashoka passed away at the age of 72 after ruling for 40 years.

What was the ultimate fate of Ashoka's dynasty?

Ashoka was the last of the great kings of the Mauryan dynasty, which eventually fell apart 50 years after his death.