Question

How did the kalinga war to be a turning point in Ashoka life

Answer 1

In the war of Kalinga, many people died. Ashoka saw this and his heart melted.He understood that war only brings destruction of families. So he gave up war and propagated dhamma and Buddhism. Hence the Kalinga war prove to be a turning point in the life of Ashoka.

Answer 2

Answer:

Kalinga (modern Orissa) was an independent state on the border of the vast Mauryan empire. It controlled the routes to south India by land and sea. Ashoka followed the policy of Digvijya( victory in all directions). Thus Ashoka invaded Kalinga in 261 B.C. In the war 100,000 people died, 1,50,000 were wounded and made prisoners of war. The sight of such a massacre of human lives and sufferings of the wounded made deep impression on Ashoka’s mind. The unhappiness of the women and children made Ashoka very sad. He decided to devote the rest of his life to the spread of Dharma. Dharmavijya became the goal of Ashoka’s life. The first emperor in the history of the world to give up war after victory.

Explanation: