Podcast
Questions and Answers
When did Emperor Asoka ascend the throne?
When did Emperor Asoka ascend the throne?
In which region was the city of Takshashila where rebellions were put down during Asoka's reign?
In which region was the city of Takshashila where rebellions were put down during Asoka's reign?
What was Asoka's religion before his conversion to Buddhism?
What was Asoka's religion before his conversion to Buddhism?
Which empire was larger in size than the Maurya Empire during Asoka's reign?
Which empire was larger in size than the Maurya Empire during Asoka's reign?
Signup and view all the answers
What age did Asoka pass away at?
What age did Asoka pass away at?
Signup and view all the answers
Where were missionaries sent abroad to spread Buddhism during Asoka's reign?
Where were missionaries sent abroad to spread Buddhism during Asoka's reign?
Signup and view all the answers
In which council did Asoka participate during his reign?
In which council did Asoka participate during his reign?
Signup and view all the answers
What region did Asoka conquer after a brutal war according to ancient inscriptions?
What region did Asoka conquer after a brutal war according to ancient inscriptions?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the primary reason for Asoka's conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga war?
What was the primary reason for Asoka's conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga war?
Signup and view all the answers
How many stupas were built throughout the Maurya Empire under Asoka's decree?
How many stupas were built throughout the Maurya Empire under Asoka's decree?
Signup and view all the answers
What title did Asoka's administration give to officers who looked after the common people's tribulations?
What title did Asoka's administration give to officers who looked after the common people's tribulations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following was NOT improved during Asoka's rulership?
Which of the following was NOT improved during Asoka's rulership?
Signup and view all the answers
Where did Sanghamitta, Asoka's daughter, relocate to establish a Buddhist nunnery?
Where did Sanghamitta, Asoka's daughter, relocate to establish a Buddhist nunnery?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of military resistance did Asoka face during the conquest of Kalinga?
What type of military resistance did Asoka face during the conquest of Kalinga?
Signup and view all the answers
Besides writing on boulders, where else were Asoka's Rock Edicts commonly inscribed?
Besides writing on boulders, where else were Asoka's Rock Edicts commonly inscribed?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Asoka's Reign
- Asoka ascended the throne in 269 BCE.
- The city of Takshashila, where rebellions were put down during Asoka's reign, was located in the northwestern region of the empire.
Asoka's Conversion to Buddhism
- Asoka's religion before his conversion to Buddhism was Hinduism.
- The primary reason for Asoka's conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga war was the guilt and remorse he felt due to the massive loss of life.
Asoka's Empire
- The Maurya Empire was not the largest empire during Asoka's reign; the Persian Empire was larger in size.
- Asoka conquered the region of Kalinga after a brutal war, as recorded in ancient inscriptions.
Asoka's Administration
- Asoka's administration gave the title "Dharma Mahamatra" to officers who looked after the common people's tribulations.
- Asoka's administration did not improve the military during his rulership.
Buddhism and Missions
- Asoka participated in the Third Buddhist Council during his reign.
- Missionaries were sent abroad to spread Buddhism during Asoka's reign to Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia.
- Sanghamitta, Asoka's daughter, relocated to Sri Lanka to establish a Buddhist nunnery.
Asoka's Legacy
- Asoka built 84,000 stupas throughout the Maurya Empire under his decree.
- Asoka's Rock Edicts were commonly inscribed not only on boulders but also on pillars and cave walls.
Asoka's Life
- Asoka passed away at the age of 72.
- Asoka faced fierce military resistance during the conquest of Kalinga.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about Emperor Asoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, who ruled the Maurya Empire from 268-232 BC, overseeing its expansion across present-day India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Discover the significance of his reign and the empire's historical size compared to other major empires worldwide.