Ashokas Pillars With great power comes great responsibility

Ashoka’s Pillars With great power comes great responsibility…

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=x. UTSXItqix. U

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=z 54 v. SKf 1 SAI

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=Cmbt. Yr-47 O 0

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-FPa. VJt. Cg

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=nk. Nr. OIbw. OTA

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=4 Ba. CJJKr 3 XE