Ashoka The Great And Kalinga War

Exam-Oriented Q&A

Q1: When and why did Ashoka wage the Kalinga War?
Answer: In 261 BCE, to annex the prosperous and strategically located Kalinga kingdom, securing trade routes to South India.

Q2: How many casualties did Ashoka record from the Kalinga War?
Answer: He noted 100,000 killed and 150,000 deported, totaling around 250,000 victims.

Q3: What prompted Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
Answer: The suffering witnessed during and after Kalinga’s conquest led him to embrace non-violence and dhamma under Upagupta’s guidance.

Q4: What were Ashoka’s major reforms after the war?
Answer: He issued moral edicts on rocks and pillars, established welfare institutions, and appointed dhamma-mahamattas to oversee ethical governance.

Q5: How is Ashoka’s legacy reflected in modern India?
Answer: The Lion Capital of Sarnath is India’s national emblem, and the Ashoka Chakra (24-spoked wheel) adorns the national flag, symbolizing dharma and progress.