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.

Candidates can enhance their UPSC exam preparation by attempting UPSC Previous Years Question Papers now!!To complement your preparation for the upcoming exam, check the following links:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions on Facts About Emperor Ashoka

Q1

Q 1. What was the major architectural contribution of Emporer Ashoka?

Ans. The Ashoka Pillar in Sarnath is the national emblem of Republic India. The second greatest contribution is The great stupa at Sanchi, which has also been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Q2

Q 2. Why was Ashoka given the name ‘Chand Ashoka’?

Ans. It is believed that Ashoka ever since a child was brutal and short-tempered. Thus, was given the name ‘Chand Ashoka’.

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

Relevant Links
Mauryan Administration Emperor Ashoka
Ashoka’s Edicts Chandragupta Maurya and the Rise of the Mauryan Empire
The decline of the Mauryan Empire Post-Mauryan India – Sunga Dynasty
Post-Mauryan India – The Satavahanas Sanchi Stupa Lion Capital
National Emblem of India Buddha and his Teachings
Pallava Society and Architecture Harshvardhana – Empire of Harsha

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