Ashoka the Great

NAME: Ashoka (meaning "the sorrowless" or Ashoka the Great

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Emperor of the Maurya Empire in India, renowned for his conversion to Buddhism and emphasis on non-violence (dharma) after a brutal war.

BIRTH: Ashoka was born in 304 BC, likely in Pataliputra, which is present-day Patna, Bihar, India.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: He was the son of Emperor Bindusara and Queen Dharma and grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maurya Empire.

CHILDHOOD: Little is known about Ashoka's childhood, but it is believed that he received royal upbringing and education in the court of the Mauryan Empire.

EDUCATION: Ashoka would have received education befitting a prince of his time, including training in administration, warfare, and religious teachings.

CAREER RECORD: He ascended to the throne around 268 BC after a power struggle following his father's death. Initially known for his military conquests, Ashoka later embraced Buddhism and promoted non-violence, becoming one of its greatest proponents. He ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BC. 

Here is his resume:

Ascended the throne after a bloody power struggle with his brothers.

Launched a devastating war against the Kalinga kingdom, resulting in immense death and suffering.

Witnessed the aftermath of the war and converted to Buddhism, vowing to spread dharma (righteousness) throughout his empire.

Established pillars and edicts throughout his realm promoting non-violence, tolerance, and respect for all life.

Sent missionaries to spread Buddhism across Asia.

Focused on public welfare, infrastructure development, and promoting social harmony.

APPEARANCE: Descriptions of Ashoka's physical appearance are scarce, but he likely presented himself as a regal figure befitting his status as an emperor.

FASHION: As an ancient ruler, Ashoka would have worn clothing and adornments typical of his time and status, although specific details are not well-documented.

CHARACTER: Ashoka is often depicted as a complex figure, initially known for his military prowess and later revered for his embrace of Buddhist principles, including compassion and tolerance.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While not widely documented, Ashoka's reign saw a shift towards a more humane and compassionate approach to governance, which may reflect a sense of humor or appreciation for levity.

RELATIONSHIPS: Ashoka had several wives and children, including Queen Asandhimitra, who played a significant role in his life.

MONEY AND FAME: As an emperor of a vast empire, Ashoka wielded considerable wealth and power, and his reign is remembered as a significant period in Indian history. After his conversion, he focused on ethical governance and social welfare.

FOOD AND DRINK: Details about Ashoka's personal tastes in food and drink are not well-recorded, but as a ruler, he would have had access to a variety of culinary delights.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Ashoka's reign coincided with a flourishing of art and culture in ancient India, but his personal involvement in music and arts is not extensively documented.

LITERATURE: He was known for his inscriptions, including the rock edicts that spread his message of Dhamma (Buddhist principles) throughout his empire. 

Ashoka likely possessed knowledge of religious texts like the Vedas and Buddhist scriptures.

NATURE: Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism led to policies promoting environmental conservation and the protection of wildlife.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: While Ashoka's hobbies and sports activities are not well-documented, he likely engaged in activities typical of ancient royalty, such as hunting and chariot racing.  Below is a 1st century BC relief from Sanchi, showing Ashoka on his chariot, visiting the Nagas at Ramagrama.

By Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand Wikipedia

SCIENCE AND MATHS: He was known for his patronage of scholars and intellectuals, which likely included those knowledgeable in the fields of science and mathematics.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism profoundly influenced his philosophical and theological outlook, leading him to prioritize compassion, tolerance, and moral conduct in governance.

Emperor Ashoka, was the first ruler in human history to ban slavery, animal cruelty, and deforestation.

SCANDAL: His brutal conquest of Kalinga is considered the turning point in his life, leading to his conversion and pacifist approach.

MILITARY RECORD: Ashoka was a formidable military leader before his conversion. His early reign was marked by military conquests, but he later renounced warfare after embracing Buddhism.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Details about Ashoka's personal health and physical fitness are not extensively documented.

HOMES:  Likely resided in grand palaces throughout the empire, including in Pataliputra. the capital of the Mauryan Empire.

TRAVEL: As an emperor, Ashoka traveled extensively throughout his vast empire to oversee governance and administration and later to promote his edicts and Buddhist teachings..

DEATH: Ashoka died around 232 BC, leaving behind a legacy as one of India's greatest emperors.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Ashoka's life and reign have been depicted in various forms of literature, art, film, and television, highlighting his enduring influence in Indian history and culture.

Aśoka is a 2001 epic Indian historical drama film directed and co-written by Santosh Sivan. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan as Ashoka.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Transformed the Maurya Empire from a militaristic state to a center of peace and Buddhist teachings.

Promoted religious tolerance and social justice throughout his realm.

Established pillars and edicts that continue to inspire moral and ethical conduct.

Played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism across Asia.