Asoka The Mauryan Empire Dbq

The British ruled over India with an iron fist, controlling their lifestyles, imposing their taxes, and forever influencing India’s culture. However, now, India is free from any rule and has one of the highest populations in the world and a strong and powerful economy. After gaining its independence from Britain, India chose the Asoka Chakra to represent their flag, naming it after a ruler that lived over 2,000 years ago. But why choose Asoka? Some historians say that Asoka was a ruthless conqueror. However, Asoka paved the way for Buddhism, established reforms that still have significant meaning today, and who strengthened the Mauryan Empire into a feared yet peaceful place. Asoka spread Buddhist teachings to as far as Greece so that all could …show more content…
From the remorse over the death and violence of wars, to providing medicine to his people, Asoka deeply cared about his people. “I have decreed that prisoners who have been consulted and sentenced to death shall be granted a respite of three days when their relatives may appeal to the officials for the prisoners’ lives.” (Document D). Even through the bad deeds they have done, Asoka still gave the criminals a chance to prove their innocence and defend themselves so that their lives could be saved and so they can see their family. Today, our society does the same to criminals that Asoka did thousands of years ago. Also, Document E states, “The Beloved of the Gods believe that one who does wrong should be forgiven as far as it is possible to forgive him. And the Beloved of the Gods [wishes friendship] with the forest tribes of his empire…” (Document E). Not only did Asoka believe in the utter forgiveness of people, but he also wished friendship with the forest tribes of his empire. He built alliances and formed bonds among his allies to improve his empire but also, because he cared about humanity. Thus, Asoka was an enlightened ruler because he cared about his people and his tribes to achieve friendship and a powerful …show more content…
He spread his teachings to as far as Egypt and Syria so that all of mankind could be morally righteous. “This astonishing ruler, beloved still in India and many other parts of Asia, devoted himself to the spread of Buddha’s teachings, to righteousness and goodwill, and to the public for the good of his people.” (Document F). Asoka not only cared about the wellbeing of his people, but he also spread the teachings of Buddhism so that all can learn and prosper. When thousands died during a war, Asoka taught his people to seek enlightenment and good conduct. Instead of remorse and sadness over life, Asoka taught of peace and prosperity. “When the war in Kalinga was over… and the people [were] conquered, he[Asoka] felt inside him a great crisis, a stirring for meaning and remorse. Asoka goes on a pilgrimage seeking a guru, a teacher… And there the power of ideas and the power of the state came together in a uniquely Indian way.” (Document C). Through Buddhism, Asoka created unique ideas of peaceful ruling without any wars and violence. These characteristics are even sought after in our government today. Through the spread and teachings of Buddhism, Asoka was an enlightened