Maurya Dynasty
- There used to be three important kings of the Maurya dynasty.
- Ashoka was the son of Bindusara.
- The capital of the empire used to be Pataliputra.
- Taxila was the route to North West and Central Asia.
Ashoka was a unique emperor
- Ashoka was the most famous ruler of the Maurya dynasty.
- Most of Ashoka’s inscriptions are in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
Ashoka’s War in Kalinga
- Kalinga is the ancient name of coastal Oriya.
- About 8 years after becoming the king, Ashoka fought the Kalinga war.
- Seeing the bloodshed caused by the war, he hated the war.
- He decided that he would never fight again.
Ashoka’s Dhamma
- Dhamma was a composite form of all religions, in which there was no attachment to the worship of any deity, religious customs or ritual.
- He was also influenced by the teachings of Buddha.
- Ashoka engraved his messages on stones and pillars in many places.
- Build roads, rest houses, and also get some wells dug.
- Arrangements were also made for the medical treatment of humans and animals.
Let’s Recall
Question: List the problems which Ashoka wanted to solve through Dhamma.
Answer:- Problems to be solved by Dhamma:
- ‘The conflict between people of different religions.
- Bad treatment of slaves and servants.
- Cushion in family and neighbors.
- The sacrifice of innocent animals.
Question: Which means did Ashoka use to propagate the Dhamma?
Answer:- Means of propagating Ashoka’s Dhamma:
- Dhamma preachers and representatives were sent to other countries.
- Dhamma Mahatma was appointed.
- In many places were carved on the rocks.
- Messages were also read out.
