Emperor in India, reigned c. 265 BC - 238 BC (possibly c. 273 - 232 BC).
Asoka was the last major emperor of the Mauryan dynasty. He espoused Buddhism and - without oppressing other faiths - promoted its expansion throughout India.
Early in his reign Asoka led a successful military campaign against the Kalinga country on India's east coast. The bloodshed and suffering that he witnessed during his conquest led him to renounce war and adopt a policy of "conquest by dharma", the principles of the right life based on the teachings of Buddhism, which he had just come into contact with.
During the remainder of his reign Asoka went on regular inspection tours, during which he preached the dharma to the rural people. Wherever he could he took practical measures to improve the fate of the poor. He appointed a new class of "dharma ministers" who had to relieve suffering, take care of the special needs of women, of people in remote areas, and of other religous communities. Through the entire country he had inscriptions of his thoughts engraved on pillars and rock.
These texts are of such unpretentious natural tone that they are believed to reflect his true thoughts; the carving on one of the pillars is now incorporated in India's national emblem. One of his inscriptions reads:
His public works include the founding of hospitals for people and for animals, free supply of medicine, the planting of trees, digging of wells and construction of resthouses. His enduring support of Buddhist missionaries and monasteries increased the influence of Buddhism over all India and beyond, particularly into Ceylon (today's Sri Lanka).
At about 245 BC Asoka travelled to Buddha's birthplace, where he erected a pillar with the inscription: "King Asoka, loved by the gods, paid a visit in the twentieth year of his reign. This stone pillar and stone balustrade were erected in Buddha's honour here at his birthplace."
After his death Asoka's empire disintegrated and his work was not taken up by his followers. He is still held in high regard today for his high ideals and his determination to apply them to the benefit of all people.