Page 1 - LN- Sub topic 3- Ashoka, Ashoka Dhamma
P. 1

SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL


                                               CLASS VI HISTORY

                         CH 7- ASHOKA, THE EMPEROR WHO GAVE UP WAR


               NOTES

               ASHOKA, A UNIQUE RULER

                       He was the successor of Bindusara and the bravest ruler of Maurya Dynasty.
                       He fought the most famous Kalinga War.
                       After conquering Kalinga, he was horrified by seeing the blood bath created
                       everywhere.
                       So he decided to give up conquests and wars and transformed into a
                       Buddhist.
                       He then adopted the policy of Dhamma.
               WHAT WAS ASHOKA’S DHAMMA


                       Dhamma is the Prakrit word for the Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’.
                       It did not involve any worship of God but it meant the norms of social
                       behaviour.
                       Dhamma was adopted to solve the various problems that existed in the
                       empire-
                       ➢  Conflicts among various religions
                       ➢  Ill- treatment of elders, animals was sacrificed.
                       He appointed special officers “Dhamma Mahamatta” to spread the message
                       of Dhamma.
                       He also inscribed the teachings in several pillars and rocks.
                       He also sent messengers to various countries like Sri Lanka, Greece, Egypt,
                       etc.
                       He also did various social welfare works for the people.
   1