Stage spotlights on Ashoka: 304–232 BC

Ashoka, a great Indian King started out his reign as a typically ruthless and violent ruler, controlling his Empire through the threat of force. Indeed his name means ‘without sorrow’ in Sanskrit. But in the aftermath of one of the bloodiest wars of the time, he underwent a profound and complete conversion.

The Kalinga War ended with the famous Battle of Kalinga which left more than 100,000 dead on the battlefield. A day later, Ashoka walked out across the city where, as far as his eye could see, the only sights were burned out houses, dead horses and scattered bodies. At that moment, he let out a cry, saying ‘What have I done?’ over and over again.

From that moment hence, Ashoka committed his life and his reign to non violence. He became a devout Buddhist and over the next twenty years devoted himself to spreading the message of this powerful religion. Prisoners were freed and given their land back, the unnecessary slaughter of animals was forbidden as was hunting for sport. Branding animals was also outlawed and vegetarianism was encouraged as official policy. Ashoka built rest houses for travellers and pilgrims, universities so people could become more educated and hospitals for people and animals alike throughout India. Ashoka was the first ruler in history to put animal and human rights on an equal footing.

Ashoka had his teachings and works engraved on rocks and pillars. These carvings are among the oldest original texts from India. One pillar, at Sarnath, became India’s national emblem.

After Ashoka’s death the Mauryan empire fell apart. His work was discontinued.

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