Ashoka the Great (r. 268-232 BCE) was the third king of the Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE) best known for his renunciation of war, development of the concept of dhamma (pious social conduct), and promotion of Buddhism as well as his effective reign of a nearly pan-Indian political entity.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 304 BCEPossible birthdate of Ashoka the Great.
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268 BCE - 232 BCEReign of Ashoka the Great, third ruler of the Mauryan Empire.
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268 BCEAshoka becomes emperor of the Mauryan Empire in India.
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c. 260 BCEAshoka conquers Kalinga. The bloodshed makes him remorseful, and he turns towards non-violence.
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232 BCEIndian ruler Ashoka dies and the Mauryan Empire declines within fifty years.
