Question

How did the kalinga war prove to be a turning point in the life of ashoka

Answer 1

Although Ashoka's army succeeded in overwhelming Kalinga forces of royal soldiers and civilian units, an estimated 100,000 soldiers and civilians were killed in the furious warfare, including over 10,000 of Ashoka's own men. Hundreds of thousands of people were adversely affected by the war. When Ashoka personally witnessed the destruction, he began feeling remorse and guilty. Although the annexation of Kalinga was completed, Ashoka embraced the teachings of Lord Buddha and gave up war and violence.