Emperor Ashoka was a ruler, whose empire spread across the Indian subcontinent, covering most of India, South Asia, and beyond. It stretched from present day Afghanistan and parts of Persia in the west, to Bengal and Assam in the east, and Mysore in the south. The turning point in Ashoka’s life occurred when he planned to seize the territory of Kalinga, the present day Orissa. He led a huge army, and fought a gruesome battle with the army of Kalinga. Though Ashoka finally emerged victorious at the end, the gruesome sights on the battle-field made his heart break with shame, guilt, and disgust. He vowed never to wage war again and sought refuge in the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Emperor Ashoka is known as Ashoka the Great, since he was one of the most able rulers who ruled India. Under his rule, the whole of India was united as one single entity with smooth administration. Ashoka was not just the first ruler to unify all of India – he was also the first Buddhist king who, after his conversion to Buddhism, attempted to embrace nonviolence and Buddhist principles as part of royal policies. Today, he is considered as one of great Indian Emperors.
