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

3. Maurya Empire Indian Subcontinent Began in Eastern India
Founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 321 BCE
United warring states into one empire

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Pillar Edicts non-violence obedience to parents
respect for all opinions
kindness to all living beings
generosity to all