Timeline Of Ashoka (304 BCE – 232 BCE)

Ashoka (born c. 304 BCE, likely in Pataliputra, modern Patna) was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya (founder of the Mauryan Empire) and son of Bindusara.

He is renowned as one of history’s most transformative rulers: initially a fierce conqueror who expanded the Mauryan Empire to its greatest extent (covering most of the Indian subcontinent except the far south), he underwent a profound change after the brutal Kalinga War, embracing Buddhism, renouncing offensive warfare, and promoting dhamma (dharma: moral law, ethical conduct, non-violence, tolerance, and welfare).

His famous Edicts (inscribed on rocks and pillars across the empire in Prakrit, Greek, Aramaic) are primary sources for his policies, spreading messages of compassion, environmental protection, public works, and religious harmony. His reign (c. 268–232 BCE) marked the peak of Mauryan power and the global spread of Buddhism (via missionaries to Sri Lanka, Greece, Egypt, etc.).

Chronological timeline of key events in his life and reign:

• c. 304 BCE: Born to Bindusara and (likely) Subhadrangi or a lower-caste consort; one of many sons (legends mention fierce early life, including fratricide to secure throne, though debated).
• c. 273–272 BCE: Bindusara dies; Ashoka engages in a war of succession against brothers; emerges victorious (possibly after killing rivals); rules as viceroy or consolidates power in some accounts before formal coronation.
• c. 269–268 BCE: Formal coronation/anointment as emperor in Pataliputra; begins reign as third Mauryan ruler (empire already vast from Chandragupta and Bindusara).
• c. 261–260 BCE (8th regnal year): Conquest of Kalinga (modern Odisha region), massive war against independent kingdom; results in heavy casualties (Ashoka’s edicts claim 100,000 killed, 150,000 deported, many more died); victory annexes Kalinga, completing empire’s near-pan-Indian extent.
• Post-Kalinga (c. 260–259 BCE onward): Deep remorse over bloodshed and suffering; turns toward Buddhism (gradual conversion; becomes upasaka/lay follower); renounces armed conquest; adopts policy of dhamma-vijaya (“conquest by righteousness”) instead of military expansion.
• c. 259–258 BCE: Issues early edicts; promotes dhamma through officials (dhamma-mahamatras); begins public welfare, hospitals for humans/animals, tree planting, wells, roads.
• c. 257–256 BCE (10th–13th regnal years): Major Rock Edicts issued (14 edicts carved on rocks across empire); details remorse over Kalinga, ethical governance, tolerance for all sects (Brahmans, Shramanas, Ajivikas, etc.), bans animal sacrifices, protects wildlife.
• c. 250s BCE: Pillar Edicts (e.g., Major Pillar Edicts on polished sandstone pillars); establishes animal welfare laws, promotes non-violence, moral education.
• c. 250–240 BCE: Sends Buddhist missions abroad, son Mahendra (Mahinda) and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka (spreads Theravada Buddhism; plants Bodhi tree sapling); emissaries to Hellenistic kingdoms (Antiochus II of Syria, Ptolemy II of Egypt, etc.), spreading dhamma.
• Throughout reign: Builds stupas (e.g., at Sanchi, though expanded later); supports Third Buddhist Council (c. 250 BCE in Pataliputra) to purify sangha; enforces dhamma via inspectors and edicts in multiple scripts/languages for diverse subjects.
• c. 232 BCE: Dies (aged ~72) in Pataliputra; buried (exact site unknown); succeeded by weaker successors (Dasharatha, etc.); Mauryan Empire declines rapidly, fragmenting by 185 BCE.

Ashoka’s 36–37-year reign transformed the Mauryan Empire from a militaristic state into a model of ethical governance, welfare, and religious pluralism. His Edicts (rediscovered in 19th century) provide direct insight into ancient Indian policy and remain UNESCO heritage.

He is celebrated globally as a pioneer of non-violence (influencing figures like Gandhi) and Buddhist propagation, earning the title “the Great” for moral rather than just territorial achievements.