Asoka, The First Founders Of a Great Empire In India

King of the most important in the history of India might once Asoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty and the grandson of the founder of that dynasty, Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta an Indian military leader - in a time almost coincided with the war launched by Alexander the Great - conquered most parts of northern India, and by itself can be regarded as the first founders of a great empire in India.
Year of birth of Ashoka exactly when is unknown. It may well be approaching the year 300 BC, and he ascended the throne around the year 273 BC. At first he followed the footsteps of the great course and try to expand the power through military action. In the year she cleared 8 administration a successful war against Kalinga, on the east coast of India (approximately the current location of Orissa). However, once he realized how powerful the price that must be redeemed for this victory, Ashoka was stricken interior. One hundred thousand people were killed, and hundreds of thousands of people were injured. Depressed and feeling guilty, Ashoka resolved to stop the military operation to conquer India, and at the same distance themselves from aggressive actions, he became Buddhists and accept the philosophy, try to practice the values of "dharma" which contains a messenger running truth, virtue and ketidakagresifan.
Create own personal Ashoka stopped hunting and became "vegeterian" (do not eat meat except vegetables). In the important aspects are still many other attitudes dianutnya humanity. He founded hospitals and places of worship, issued the rules for ease residents, build roads and improve the waters. Even Asoka singled out government officials called "official dharma", is responsible for telling the people to worship God, to develop a zest for life be nice fellow human beings. All religions have the same place in the kingdom. Ashoka tolerance was evident, although Buddhism gained special attention to profitable growth of the religion. Buddhist emissaries sent abroad, and their mission of achieving great results, especially in Sri Lanka.
Ashoka ordered the record of life and the steps that were written in kebijaksanannya poles or rocks scattered throughout the country. Many of the monuments that still stand today.

Placement monuments that are geographically possible, we have reliable information about the broad powers of Ashoka, and the writings listed on it is the main source of our knowledge of his career. By coincidence, these poles are also considered as a result of high-level art work.

Within fifty years after the death of Ashoka, Mauryan Empire apart and could never rise again. Meanwhile, through his support for Buddhism, the long-term impact on the world Assoka itself becomes very large. When he ascended the throne, Buddhism adherents still very small, just a local, known only in the northwestern part of India. However, when death, the believer is covering the whole of India and its influence has rapidly spread to neighboring countries. More than anyone else - except the Buddha himself - Asoka is a responsible for the development of Buddhism into the world's major religions. Michael H. Hart,One hundred most influential figures in the history.