Ashoka the Great

Mauryan emperor who transformed from conqueror to Buddhist peace advocate

Ashoka (304-232 BCE), third emperor of India's Mauryan Dynasty, created history's first major humanitarian empire after his transformative Kalinga War experience. His reign marked a unique shift from military expansion to Dhamma (moral governance) based on Buddhist principles.

Key reforms included:

• Erecting 33+ inscribed pillars detailing ethical codes
• Establishing wildlife protection laws and medicinal herb plantations
• Creating rest houses and hospitals along trade routes

Ashoka's rock edicts - found from Afghanistan to South India - promoted religious tolerance and non-violence. The Ashoka Chakra on India's flag derives from his Lion Capital pillar, now the national emblem.

His global outreach sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka (Mahinda), Greece, and Egypt. The Pew Research Center credits Ashoka with transforming Buddhism from minor sect to world religion. Modern leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from his non-violent governance model.