Emperor Ashoka the Great (Devanagari: अशोक; IAST transliteration: , pronunciation: / /) (304 BC–232 BC) was the ruler of the Maurya Empire from 273 BC to 232 BC. After a number of military conquests, Ashoka reigned over most of South Asia and beyond, from present-day Afghanistan and parts of Persia in the west, to Bengal and Assam in the east, and as far south as Mysore. A follower of Buddhism, Ashoka established monuments marking several significant sites in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, and according to Buddhist tradition was closely involved in the preservation and transmission of Buddhism.
The name "Ashoka" means "without sorrow" in Sanskrit. In his edicts he is referred to as "Devaanaampriya" or "The Beloved Of The Gods".
H.G. Wells wrote of Ashoka: "In the history of the world there have been thousands of kings and emperors who called themselves 'their highnesses,' 'their majesties,' and 'their exalted majesties' and so on. They shone for a brief moment, and as quickly disappeared. But Ashoka shines and shines brightly like a bright star, even unto this day."
A Translation of the Edicts of Asoka - Description of his life and a translation of Ashoka's rock edicts.
Meta Description: [ A free translation of all known carved edicts of King Asoka ]
Ashoka - A short biography.
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Hindu leaders, ranging from Gods & Goddesses, Freedom Fighters, Kings and Queens, Rushis and Sages to Scientists
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Ashoka (or Asoka)'s life - Extracts from the Rock and Pillar Edicts of the Indian king Ashoka (290-232 BC).
Meta Description: [ Extracts from the Rock and Pillar
Edicts of the Indian king Ashoka (290-232 BC) ]