Ashoka the Great (273 BC – 232 BC) was the last major emperor in the Mauryan Dynasty. He was the son of Kind Bindusara. He conquered Kalinga in the thirteenth year of his reign. He was transferred to ‘Dharmashoka’ after the ‘Kalinga War’. Ashoka converted himself to Buddhism; instead of ‘Digvijaya’ he began to follow the policy of ‘Dharma Vijaya’. ‘Dharma Mahamatras’ were appointed by him. Ashoka sent people to spread Buddhism in countries like Egypt, Macedonia, Syria, etc. He also sent his son, Mahendra and daughter, Sanghamitra to Ceylon to spread Buddhism. The teachings of Buddhism were engraved by Ashoka on the rocks and pillars. The Pilar at Sarnath having four Lions’ faces has become India’s national emblem. The Ashoka’ wheel is represented on the centre of India’s National flag. Ashoka was the first Indian king to speak directly to the people through his inscriptions.
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