Question

Ashoka was a great emperor in the world history justify this statement

Answer 1

This was his territorial extent, from present day Afghanistan to Burma and covering almost entire Indian subcontinent in its reach upto Renugunta (Tirupati hills). He was the first empire builder of ancient India.He was an emperor who spoke to his people through his edicts; his victories and loss that left a legacy that surpassed him.His was a curious case of a sovereignwho sees a successful war as a major defeat. Reversing all convention of kingship, the emperor Ashoka recorded his greatest military Triumph as tragedy, proclaiming an order of non-violence.He gave the world Dhamma(moral code of conduct) by imbibing the best teaching of all religions present at that time.Askoka pillar from Sarnath is taken as national emblem by Government of India. It's polish and beautiful artwork is still unmatchable.



His moral messages spread through royal edicts still have a universal appeal, which shows India's multicultural and tolerant culture since ages.What makes him great is despite being an absolute monarch and a violent ruler, his efforts to popularise one of the most ethical way of life not only to his subjects, but at a much broader stage was a big success as we can see today the outreach of Buddhism and it's principals to far off lands in East Asia

His moral teachings which we got to know from several rock and pillar edits, are as relevant today as they were 2200 years ago

Great doesn't necessarily mean a powerufl military conquerer. It means someone that has done good things to human society. Ashoka did many great things. Its because Ashoka was a great human being. He stood out from all of us. Same with Alexander or Julius Caesar. Here's a small list of Ahsoka's great actions.

1. Patronized Buddhism. He already it all across Asia and all the way to Rome and Egypt.

2. Encouraged protection of animals and environment. He stopped royal hunts and instead let the animals live. He was the first Indian ruler to make laws concerning the environment.

3. He spread Indian soft power through the land. He ruled 30% of the world population. Probably the largest except for the Han Dynasty. Indian influence was felt across SE Asia, the Greek territories, and Bactria.

4. He valued peace. After Kalinfa, Ashoka maintained a large military but didn't fight any wars. He kept friendly relations with Seleucids and Tamils.

5. He valued education and the arts. Ashoka built lots of temples and schools all across India. The Lion Pillar, the edicts of Ashoka.

6. His legacy is still felt today. Ashoka built the foundations for a powerful Magadha. Though later Mauryan were weak. His actions influenced the rise of the Gupta Empire, whose adminstration and military were far stronger. The arts, science, and literature also flourished in Gupta age.