Saturday, September 14, 2019
Timeline of Ashoka Regime:
Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was a prominent emperor of the Maurya Dynasty in ancient India. His reign is notable for the spread of Buddhism and his commitment to non-violence after the Kalinga War.
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| TIMELINE OF ASHOKA REGIME |
Here is a brief timeline of the Ashoka regime:
304 BCE: Ashoka is born, likely in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar), to Emperor Bindusara and Queen Dharma.
272 BCE: Ashoka ascends to the throne after a series of power struggles following the death of his father, Bindusara.
269 BCE: The beginning of Ashoka's military conquests, expanding the Maurya Empire through warfare. The annexation of the Kalinga region (modern-day Odisha) is a pivotal event.
261 BCE: The Kalinga War takes place. The intense bloodshed and suffering during and after the war deeply affect Ashoka, leading to a spiritual transformation.
260 BCE: Inspired by the teachings of Buddhism, particularly those of Gautama Buddha, Ashoka embraces the path of non-violence and becomes a patron of Buddhism.
261–260 BCE: Ashoka issues the Edicts of Ashoka, a series of inscriptions on rocks and pillars throughout his empire, conveying his commitment to Dhamma (principles of righteousness and moral law).
258 BCE: The Third Buddhist Council is convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra to address doctrinal disputes within the Buddhist Sangha.
250 BCE: Ashoka passes away. His empire is succeeded by a line of weaker rulers, and the Maurya Dynasty eventually declines.
Posthumous Influence of Ashoka:
Ashoka's rock and pillar edicts are discovered centuries later in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. They provide valuable insights into his governance and the principles of Dhamma.
Despite the decline of the Maurya Dynasty, Ashoka's legacy endures, particularly through his role in promoting Buddhism and his commitment to ethical governance.
Ashoka's reign is a significant period in Indian history, marked by both military expansion and a profound ethical transformation. His embrace of Buddhism and advocacy for non-violence have had a lasting impact on the cultural and religious landscape of the Indian subcontinent.