Why was Ashoka so horrified in Kalinga war? What is the present name of Kalinga?
Answers
Answer:
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The Kalinga War (ended c. 261 BCE)[1] was fought in ancient India between the Maurya Empire under Ashoka and the state of Kalinga, an independent feudal kingdom located on the east coast, in the present-day state of Odisha and north parts of Andhra Pradesh. It is presumed that the battle was fought on Dhauli hills in Dhauli which is situated on the banks of Daya river. The Kalinga War included one of the largest and deadliest battles in Indian history.[6] Kalinga did not have a king as it was culturally run without any.[7]
Kalinga War
Date ended c. 261 BCE, in the 8th year of Ashoka's coronation of 268 BCE.[1]
Location
Kalinga, India
Result Maurya Compromise settlement
Territorial
changes Kalinga annexed by Mauryan Empire
Belligerents
Mauryan Empire
Kalinga
Commanders and leaders
Ashoka
Maha Padmanabha
Strength
Total 200,000
150,000 infantry,[2]
10,000 cavalry[3]
700 war elephants[2]
Casualties and losses
70,000
150,000 (figures by Ashoka)[4][5]
This is the only major war Ashoka fought after his accession to the throne. In fact, this war marks the close of empire building and military conquests of ancient India that began with Maurya king Bindusara.[8] In the entire Indian history this war is considered as the deadliest war costing nearly 300,000 lives.The bloodshed of this war is said to have prompted Ashoka to adopt Buddhism with them.
Answer:
- Ashoka was very horrified when he saw the result of violence and bloodshed. He decided not to fight any more wars. Ashoka was very sad and decided to observe dhamma, and to teach others about it as well.
- Kalinga was the ancient name for the modern state of Odisha. This name finds mention in the rock edicts of Asoka Maurya and the inscriptions of Kharavela, the Jain ruler of the region.