Interesting Facts about Emperor Ashoka

The General Studies paper I of UPSC IAS Prelims exam includes History, Geography, Economy, Polity, General Science and Current Affairs. Both Indian History and culture are interrelated.

Emperor Ashoka, the third Samrat of the Maurya dynasty is considered as one of the most exemplary royals in history.

This article will further elaborate upon the facts associated with the emperor Ashoka within the context of the IAS Exam.

Emperor Ashoka – Facts

Ashoka was born in 304 BCE, at Patliputra to Bindusara and Maharani Dharma or Shubhadrangi. He was known as Samraat Chakravartin, Devanampriya, and Priyadarsin

He ruled the huge land mass area extending from the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan to Bangladesh and From Assam in the east to Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in the south. He died in 232 BCE. King Ashoka has an important role in Indian history and culture. Here we are giving some interesting facts about King Ashoka.

• The word ‘Ashoka’ in Sanskrit means ‘without sorrow’.
• Grandfather of Ashoka was the founder of Maurya Dynasty.
• According to a Tibetan writer Taranatha, Ashoka murdered his six brothers to seize the throne of Magadha.
• Ashoka was also known as ‘Chandaashoka’.
• Ashoka became a follower of Buddha after the war of Kalinga in BC 261.
• He made Buddhism his state religion.
• He was appointed as ‘Dharma Mahapatro’ to spread Buddhism all over Asia.
• He sent his daughter Sanghamitra and son Mahinda to Ceylon for propagating Buddhism.
• He built lion stambh’s- Ashok Stambh to spread Buddhism.
• Ashok Stambh of Sarnath was accepted as the national emblem of India.
• Apart from Ashoka Stambh, Ashoka had built many pillars, rock edicts like Bharhut stupa, Dhamek Stupa, and Mahabodhi Temple.

Aspirants can know more on relevant topics to prepare for the Ancient History for the UPSC exam from the links provided below-