Ashoka the great

made by MMALLICK

1. ASHOKA THE GREAT Name- Maisha Mallick Stad division-6 D

2. Ashoka the great He is called great  because of his model rule based on peace and compassion  that helped in unifying the culturally diverse empire under a centralised administration . The greatest ruler known to Indian history is  Ashoka The Great . ... The Maurya's were comprised of three major rulers known for their attributes – Chandragupta, his son Bindusara and Bindusara's son, Ashoka . Ashoka was the third ruler of the Maurya dynasty and was one of the most powerful kings in ancient times.

3. Ashoka’s Religion As a leader, Ashoka embraced  Dharma . This path guides the follower through a life of selflessness, piety, duty, good conduct and decency. Dharma is applied in many religions, including Sikhism, Jainism and of course Hinduism –but Ashoka's idea of Dharma was filtered through the Buddhist faith . After Ashoka's successful but devastating conquest of Kalinga early in his rule, he converted to  Buddhism  and was inspired by its doctrine of dharma. Thereafter, he ruled his empire through peace and tolerance and focused on public works and building up the empire rather than expanding it.

4. Ashoka’s policy of dhamma Ashoka's dhamma was based on  the principles of Buddhism .   Ashoka   pleaded for tolerance of different religious sects in an attempt to create a sense of harmony . The policy of Dhamma also laid stress on non-violence, which was to be practiced by giving up war and conquests and also as a restraint on the killing of animals. Ashoka's dhamma ( way of life ) did not involve any worship to god or sacrifices, and he thought that his duty towards his subjects was like that of a father towards his son.

5. Main Principles of ashoka’s dhamma The following are the main principles of Ashoka’s dhamma : People should live in peace and harmony. Everyone should practise the principle of ahimsa, i.e. non-violence and non-injury to all living beings. People should love one another and display respect and tolerance towards other religious faiths. Children should obey their elders and elders should treat children with understanding. People should be truthful, charitable and kind to all, even towards servants and slaves.

6. For the first time in indian history almost the whole subcontinent was under the control of one ruler

7. How did ashoka spread his dhamma Ashoka provided officials called as dhamma-mahamatta to extend and explain the message of dhamma . He wrote his message on  rocks, caves, gibbers and stone pillars  which were constructed in numerous parts of the empire. Ashoka himself went on tours of examination called dhamma yatras . Ashoka also sent her daughter princess Sanghamitra to spread his dhamma and buddhism in Sri Lanka. Ashoka built a large number of monasteries all over the empire and spent large sums of money in endowing them . He himself set an example before his people by strictly following Ahimsa, he thus, set an example for his people . He promised not to fight anymore wars . He also discouraged eating of meat and put an end to royal hunts