With great power comes great responsibility… Ashoka’s Pillars With great power comes great responsibility…

Maurya Empire Indian Subcontinent Began in Eastern India Founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 321 BCE United warring states into one empire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUTSXItqixU

Chandragupta Born into a poor family and sold into slavery at a young age Inspired by Alexander the Great’s army march into India Ruled with absolute power as a strong and ruthless leader Established an army of spies to maintain control over subjects The capital, Pataliputra, became one of the largest cities in the world Well-organized government with provinces connected by roads Passed on his empire to his son and then to his grandson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z54vSKf1SAI

Ashoka the Great Grandson of Chandragupta Name means “without sorrow” Legends say that he killed 99 of his brothers to become King after his father died Had a prison with extensive torture chambers for his enemies Ruled a warlike empire for 35 years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmbtYr-47O0

Battle of Kalinga Ashoka won this bloody battle, killing or injuring thousands Captured 150,000 people Changed Ashoka’s life Gave up war and violence; freed prisoners he had captured Chose to convert to Buddhism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf-FPaVJtCg

A Change of Heart? Practiced and preached the teachings of the Buddha Did not allow the use of animals for sacrifices; gave up hunting Sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, China, Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan, and even to Egypt and Greece Appointed “inspectors of morality;” gave gifts to the poor Promoted trade by planting “shade trees,” wells, and rest houses for travelers Issued “edicts” that were writings of moral advice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkNrOIbwOTA

Pillar Edicts non-violence obedience to parents respect for all opinions kindness to all living beings generosity to all https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BaCJJKr3XE