biography
pronunciation:
[ashohka]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (3rd-c BC)
|
| biography:
| King of India (c.264–238 BC), the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty. After his invasion of the Kali&ndot;ga country, he renounced armed conquest and became a convert to Buddhism, which subsequently spread throughout India and beyond. He adopted a policy called dharma (principles of right life), advocating toleration, honesty, and kindness, and had his teachings engraved on rocks and pillars at certain sites. With his death the Mauryan empire declined and his work was discontinued. |
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