Birth Anniversary of Emperor Ashoka

• 10 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

On the birth anniversary Emperor Ashoka, the Bihar Governor and Chief Minister paid floral tributes at his statue at the Ashoka Convention Center. 

Key Points 

• About Ashoka: 
  • Every year the Ashtami of Chaitra month is celebrated as Ashok Jayanti. This time it was celebrated on 5th April 2025. 
  • Ashoka was the son of Maurya emperor Bindusara . He displayed extraordinary talent in  administrative work . 
  • Impressed by his ability and knowledge, Bindusara appointed him the governor of Ujjain (Avanti) . 
  • Ashoka fought only one major war , the Kalinga War , which is mentioned in  his 13th major rock edict . 
    • He fought this war in the eighth year of his reign (261 BC) . Ashoka was deeply saddened by the destruction and bloodshed in this war, due to which his personality changed from a warrior to a saint .  
    • As a result, he abandoned the policy of Digvijaya and adopted the policy of Dhammavijaya . 
• Ashoka's Dhamma: 
  • After conversion to Buddhism, he remained a simple worshipper for about two and a half years . After that, he joined the Buddhist Sangha and became a Bhikshu Gatika (those who live in a monastery for a limited time are called Bhikshu Gatika).  
  • Ashoka never fully adopted the life of a Buddhist monk , but rather he always remained a worshipper . 
  • Definition of Dhamma:  
    • Ashoka has presented the definition of Dhamma in his second and seventh pillar inscriptions .  
    • According to him, Dhamma includes the following principles: 
      • No human being will be killed . 
      • There will be no destruction of property . 
      • Service and respect for parents and elders . 
      • Respect for elders and teachers . 
      • Good treatment of slaves and servants . 
      • Spend less and live a simple life . 
  • In the 13th major rock edict, Ashoka has described Dhammavijaya as the greatest victory. He was the first ruler in world history who adopted the Dhamma based imperialist policy through non-violence. 
  • For the propagation of Dhamma, Ashoka created a new administrative category which was called 'Dhammamahamatra' .  
  • In the fifth major inscription, Ashoka has mentioned that these officers were appointed in the 13th year of the reign (256 BC).  
  • Apart from this, other officers like Yukta , Rajukka , and Pradeshik were also given the responsibility of propagating the principles of Dhamma .