With great power comes great responsibility…

Ashoka’s Pillars

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