# Ashoka

> Mauryan emperor from 268 to 232 BCE

**Wikidata**: [Q8589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8589)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ashoka

## Summary
Ashoka was a Mauryan emperor who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE, serving as a politician, monarch, and Buddhist monk. He is best known for his reign over the ancient Indian Maurya Empire and his pivotal role in promoting Buddhism, spreading the religion beyond India through missions. His legacy is preserved through the Edicts of Ashoka and the Lion Capital of Asoka, which remain significant historical and cultural artifacts.

## Biography
- **Born**: 304 BCE
- **Nationality**: Maurya Empire
- **Known for**: Ruling the Mauryan Empire (268–232 BCE), promoting Buddhism, and commissioning the Edicts of Ashoka
- **Employer(s)**: Maurya Empire
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Monarchy, Religion

## Contributions
- **Edicts of Ashoka**: Commissioned and disseminated a collection of 3rd-century BCE inscriptions across South Asia. These inscriptions document his reign and philosophy, serving as a primary historical record of his governance and the spread of dharma.
- **Promotion of Buddhism**: Influenced by The Buddha, Ashoka became a key patron of Buddhism. He facilitated the spread of the religion beyond India through organized missions, significantly impacting global spirituality.
- **Lion Capital of Asoka**: Commissioned the capital of a column at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, around 250 BCE. This artifact is an iconic example of Mauryan architecture and art.

## FAQs
### When did Ashoka rule and who were his predecessors?
Ashoka ruled the Mauryan Empire from 268 to 232 BCE. He was preceded by Bindusara and succeeded by Dasaratha Maurya.

### What are the Edicts of Ashoka?
The Edicts of Ashoka are a series of 3rd-century BCE inscriptions found throughout South Asia. They were created during Ashoka's reign to propagate his moral and administrative policies.

### How is Ashoka connected to Buddhism?
Ashoka was a Buddhist monk and emperor who was heavily influenced by The Buddha. He played a crucial role in promoting and spreading Buddhism beyond the borders of India through missionary efforts.

### What is the Lion Capital of Asoka?
The Lion Capital of Asoka is a sculpture from around 250 BCE that topped a column at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. It is a significant archaeological artifact and symbol of the Mauryan Empire.

### What are some of Ashoka's aliases?
Ashoka is known by many names, including Ashok, Ashoka the Great, Ashoka Maurya, Samrat Ashok, Chakravarty Samrat Ashok, Asoka, Mauryan Ashoka, Ashoka Samrat, Emperor Ashoka, and The Great Ashoka.

## Why They Matter
Ashoka transformed the Mauryan Empire through his adoption and promotion of Buddhism, shifting from conquest to moral governance based on dharma. His establishment of the Edicts of Ashoka provided one of the earliest written records of Indian history and ethical administration. By sponsoring Buddhist missions, he ensured the religion's expansion across Asia, influencing countless cultures and spiritual traditions. His patronage of art and architecture, exemplified by the Lion Capital of Asoka, left a lasting aesthetic legacy. Without his contributions, the global spread of Buddhism and the historical record of the ancient Mauryan period would be significantly diminished.

## Notable For
- **Mauryan Emperor**: Ruled the ancient Indian empire from 268 to 232 BCE.
- **Buddhist Patron**: Instrumental in spreading Buddhism beyond India.
- **Edicts of Ashoka**: Created 3rd-century BCE inscriptions that serve as vital historical records.
- **Lion Capital**: Commissioned the famous capital at Sarnath (c. 250 BCE).
- **Historical Legacy**: Inspired the naming of modern institutions like Ashoka University (founded 2014).
- **Visual Records**: Depicted in various historical reliefs, including those preserved in the Guimet Museum and the Sanchi Stupa.

## Body
### Identity and Reign
Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, Ashoka Maurya, Samrat Ashok, Chakravarty Samrat Ashok, Asoka, Mauryan Ashoka, Ashoka Samrat, Emperor Ashoka, and The Great Ashoka, was a unique member of *Homo sapiens*. He held the occupations of politician, emperor (a type of monarch), and Buddhist monk. As a citizen of the Maurya Empire, an ancient Indian empire existing from 322 to 184 BCE, Ashoka's reign is dated from 268 to 232 BCE. He was born in 304 BCE and died in 232 BCE.

### Succession
The line of Mauryan rulers places Ashoka between Bindusara, his predecessor, and Dasaratha Maurya, his successor. Dasaratha Maurya ruled the empire from approximately 232 to 224 BCE, continuing the lineage established during the height of the Mauryan power.

### Religious Influence and Philosophy
Ashoka was significantly influenced by The Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the Indian philosopher and founder of Buddhism. Following The Buddha's teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, Ashoka adopted a policy of Dharma. He utilized his position as emperor to promote Buddhism, becoming a major patron of the faith. His efforts led to the spread of Buddhism beyond India through missions, fulfilling a role of spiritual leadership alongside his political duties.

### Monuments and Artifacts
Ashoka's reign is marked by the creation of enduring physical artifacts. The **Edicts of Ashoka**, a collection of 3rd-century BCE inscriptions, were established across South Asia to communicate his policies and philosophy. Another significant contribution is the **Lion Capital of Asoka**, the capital of a column located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, which dates back to around 250 BCE.

Visual representations of Ashoka and his era are preserved in various artifacts, including:
- "Ashoka's visit to the Ramagrama stupa Sanchi Stupa 1 Southern gateway.jpg"
- "四川省博物院館藏文物 242.jpg"
- "Indian relief from Amaravati, Guntur. Preserved in Guimet Museum.jpg"

### Modern Legacy
Ashoka's influence extends into the modern era, notably through institutions named in his honor. **Ashoka University**, a state private university located in Sonipat, Haryana, India, was established in 2014 and bears his name, reflecting his enduring legacy in education and leadership. His life and works continue to be studied for their historical, philosophical, and artistic significance.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Lingua Libre
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. IdRef
6. BBC Things
7. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/asoka/)
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Quora
10. Enciclopedia Treccani
11. Dizionario di Storia
12. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Asoka;3871965.html)