why is ashaka calle
called gred ?
Answers
Explanation:
Ashoka is 'The Great Ashoka' because of the way he transformed, and its everlasting influence on humanity even today.
Just like many great kings he waged wars. The most bitter of it was against the Kalinga desa (present day Odisha). His first hand accounts of the massive destruction of human lives moved him to become a much more benevolent leader. He is believed to have said the monologue:
What have I done? If this is a victory, what's a defeat then? Is this a victory or a defeat? Is this justice or injustice? Is it gallantry or a rout? Is it valor to kill innocent children and women? Did I do it to widen the empire and for prosperity or to destroy the other's kingdom and splendor? One has lost her husband, someone else a father, someone a child, someone an unborn infant.... What's this debris of the corpses? Are these marks of victory or defeat? Are these vultures, crows, eagles the messengers of death or evil?
Such a realization, which is true today as it was then. It is quite a rare event that big rulers transform like this.
Edicts of Ashoka
His greatest contribution had been the Edicts of Ashoka. It reflects his great thoughts which are relevant even to this day. He addresses his people as his "children" and himself as a father of his subjects. His influence is not just in India, but also in many countries in Asia - Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Benevolent ruler
He became a highly benevolent ruler. He emphasized respect for all religious teachers, harmonious relationship between parents and children, teachers and pupils, and employers and employees. He seemed to have taken learning from all religions. He emphasized on the virtues of Ahimsa, respect to all religious teachers, equal respect for and study of each other's scriptures, and on rational faith. He helped to develop viharas (intellectual hubs) such as Nalanda and Taxila. He has also communicated with other empires, the Hellenic countries (Ancient Greek kingdoms)
His edicts state he made provisions of medical treatment of humans and animals in his kingdom. Animal welfare is such a rare aspect in that period.
Ashoka's Greatness
He was a great ruler who transformed from a strong military leader into a benevolent ruler who spread his great ideas not just in his empire but in many other countries. His message is so universal and so great that many historians call him 'Great'.