Episode for Skill of Explaining a Lesson

Subject: Social Science Class: VIII Concept: Ashoka the Great Time: 6 minutes

Ashoka was born in the great Maurya dynasty founded by Chandragupta Maurya. His father was Bindusara who was the son of Chandragupta Maurya. Ashoka started his career as a young general but he rose in ranks quickly to become a ruthless warrior and able statesman. His activities and quick rise to power allerted his half brother Sushima who became wary of Ashoka's intentions towards the Maurya throne and he was sent on exile to Kalinga. Ashoka the Great was one of the greatest emperors to have ever ruled. He was an Indian monarch of the Maurya dynasty and he ruled most of modern India including modern day Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh from 269 BC to 232 BC. But it is not the size of his empire, nor the long tenure of his reign which places him in a unique and unparalleled position in world history. The Kalinga War and a changed Ashoka After completing his conquests of virtually the whole of the sub continent, Ashoka turned his attention towards the kingdom of Kalinga (present day Orissa), a kingdom which had never before been defeated on the battlefield. From the rock edicts of Ashoka, it has been learnt that 10,000 people from Kalinga died in the battle and in the ensuing mass carnage and an equal number of Ashoka's men died as well. Many more were taken captive and deported. The whole of Kalinga was at Ashoka's feet. But the huge calamity of human lives had a huge effect on Ashoka. He was so moved that he left the path of violence forever and embraced the religion of peace. He dedicated his entire life to the spread of Buddhism in his empire and in other parts of Asia and to the welfare of his subjects. He also undertook many charitable projects such as constructing inns for travellers, hospitals for the poor and needy, shady trees along the road side as he had decided to channelize wealth into constructive purposes. The Kalinga War not only changed the personality of Ashoka but also changed the history of mankind. Forever. Peace was now a religion. He is perhaps the only emperor in history who left the path of violent conquests for the cause of peace and harmony, that too after a resounding victory against his enemies.

Testing Pupils Understanding

1. 2. 3. 4. Why was Ashoka called an ambitious and ruthless king during the early years of his rule? What impact did Kalinga war leave on the personality of Ashoka? What were the charitable projects undertaken by Ashoka? How can you consider Ashoka as one of the greatest monarchs of India?