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Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler?
The legacy of Emperor Asoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India, remains a fascinating paradox. Was he a ruthless conqueror who expanded his empire through bloodshed, or a wise and compassionate ruler who championed peace and non-violence? This question has captivated historians and scholars for centuries, and the answer, as we'll explore, is far more nuanced than a simple binary. This post delves into the complexities of Asoka's reign, examining both sides of his legacy to provide a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal figure in Indian history. We will analyze his military campaigns, his conversion to Buddhism, and the lasting impact of his reign on the subcontinent and beyond.
The Ruthless Conqueror: Asoka's Military Prowess
Before his conversion, Asoka was a formidable military leader. He inherited a vast empire, but his ambition led him to conquer Kalinga, a powerful kingdom in present-day Odisha, in a brutal and bloody war. The Kalinga War, around 261 BCE, is vividly described in his own edicts, where he poignantly details the immense suffering and loss of life. This event, often cited as a turning point in his life, showcased his ruthlessness and military capabilities. He employed sophisticated military strategies, utilizing elephants and cavalry effectively to overwhelm his opponents. The sheer scale of his conquests across the Indian subcontinent points to a calculated and aggressive expansionist policy preceding his conversion. His early reign, therefore, firmly establishes his image as a ruthless and ambitious conqueror.
#### The Scale of Mauryan Expansion Under Asoka
Asoka’s military success wasn't limited to the Kalinga War. He inherited a powerful army and expanded the Mauryan Empire to its greatest extent, encompassing a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent. This expansion, achieved through conquest, solidified his position as a powerful emperor and laid the foundation for his later reign, however controversial its beginnings may have been.
The Enlightened Ruler: Embracing Dharma and Non-Violence
The Kalinga War proved to be a watershed moment. The scale of destruction and suffering profoundly impacted Asoka, leading to his conversion to Buddhism. He renounced violence and embraced the principles of dharma, a concept encompassing righteousness, morality, and peaceful coexistence. This transformation is evident in his numerous edicts inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout his empire. These edicts promote non-violence, tolerance, and compassion, reflecting a radical shift in his governance.
#### Asoka's Edicts: A Testament to Peace and Compassion
Asoka's edicts are invaluable sources providing insights into his philosophy and policies. They detail his efforts to promote social harmony, religious tolerance, and animal welfare. He established hospitals for humans and animals, promoted ethical conduct, and worked towards a more just and equitable society. The edicts serve as a powerful testament to his dedication to his newly adopted Buddhist principles and his commitment to ruling through compassion rather than conquest.
The Paradox of Asoka: Reconciling Two Sides
The juxtaposition of Asoka's early military conquests and his later dedication to peace presents a complex and multifaceted figure. It's impossible to completely reconcile these two aspects of his reign; however, understanding the context of his time and his personal transformation provides a more nuanced perspective. His conversion to Buddhism wasn't a sudden rejection of his past actions, but rather a profound shift in his worldview. He didn't erase his past, but rather, attempted to atone for it through his subsequent policies and actions. His reign demonstrates that even the most ruthless conquerors can undergo profound personal change and strive for a more peaceful and just society.
The Lasting Legacy of a Complex Emperor
Asoka's legacy remains profound and multifaceted. While his early reign demonstrates his ruthlessness as a conqueror, his later years showcase his commitment to peace, non-violence, and social justice. His edicts continue to inspire discussions on ethics, governance, and the possibilities of societal transformation. He left behind a legacy not just of an expanded empire but of a moral compass that guided his actions and influenced generations to come. The question of whether he was a ruthless conqueror or an enlightened ruler ultimately depends on which aspect of his reign we choose to emphasize; the reality is, he was both.
Conclusion:
Asoka’s story reminds us that individuals are capable of profound change. His life serves as a compelling case study of the complexities of leadership, power, and the potential for redemption. He remains a figure of intense historical debate and fascination, a testament to the enduring power of his legacy and the enduring questions his life poses.
FAQs:
1. What was the main reason for Asoka's conversion to Buddhism? The Kalinga War and the witnessing of immense suffering are widely considered the primary catalysts for his conversion.
2. How did Asoka's edicts spread his message? The edicts were inscribed on rocks and pillars strategically placed across his vast empire, ensuring widespread dissemination of his message.
3. What were some of the social reforms implemented by Asoka? He promoted religious tolerance, animal welfare, ethical conduct, and established hospitals.
4. Did Asoka completely abandon military might after his conversion? While he largely renounced violence, he still maintained a standing army, though its primary role shifted from conquest to maintaining order and defending the empire.
5. How does Asoka's story impact contemporary discussions on leadership and power? His transformation from conqueror to peacemaker sparks ongoing debates about the nature of power, the possibility of redemption, and the ethical responsibilities of leaders.
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: KNOW ABOUT "ASHOKA THE GREAT" Saurabh Singh, 2023-09-18 In the annals of history, there are rare figures whose lives transcend their time, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of human civilization. Ashoka the Great, often dubbed The Enlightened Ruler, stands as one such luminary figure. His story, one of profound transformation and enduring legacy, continues to captivate generations. In this journey through the life and times of Ashoka, we traverse the corridors of ancient India, exploring an epoch marked by both conquest and enlightenment. The tale of Ashoka Maurya begins in 304 BCE, a significant year that heralded the birth of this remarkable figure in Pataliputra, the capital of the Maurya Empire. From his earliest days, Ashoka's life was intertwined with the grand narrative of a powerful empire, where the fate of millions was shaped by the decisions of a few. We uncover the formative years of Ashoka's education and upbringing, the foundations upon which his reign would be built. The ascent to the throne in 272 BCE marked a crucial turning point. Ashoka's journey as the third Mauryan emperor was not simply an ascent to power; it was the start of a profound odyssey, a saga marked by military conquests that painted the map of the empire in the hues of expansion. However, it was the Kalinga war in 261 BCE, a watershed moment in history, that etched an enduring impression on Ashoka's soul. The sheer brutality and suffering of that conquest triggered a transformation within the emperor, altering the course of his life and reign forever. This transformation led Ashoka on a journey of introspection and spiritual awakening, culminating in his embrace of Buddhism, a path that redefined the essence of his governance and reign. He pivoted away from the pursuits of conquest, dedicating himself to dhamma, righteous conduct, and the pursuit of peace. Early Life and Ascension: Ashoka was born to Emperor Bindusara and Queen Dharma. As a young prince, he showed remarkable potential in various fields including administration, warfare, and governance. His upbringing in the royal court and exposure to diverse cultures prepared him for his eventual role as a ruler. In 268 BCE, Ashoka succeeded his father and embarked on a journey that would redefine the history of the Indian subcontinent. Conquest and Transformation: Ashoka's early years as a ruler were characterized by military conquests, expanding the Mauryan Empire to its zenith. However, the aftermath of the Kalinga War in 261 BCE deeply affected him. Witnessing the immense suffering and loss of life compelled Ashoka to renounce violence and embrace the principles of non-violence, compassion, and moral righteousness. Spread of Buddhism: Under the influence of Buddhist teachings, Ashoka underwent a profound personal transformation. He adopted the principles of Buddhism and actively promoted its spread within his empire and beyond. He erected numerous stupas, monasteries, and pillars engraved with his edicts, which emphasized moral conduct, social welfare, and religious tolerance. His efforts contributed to the globalization of Buddhism and its lasting impact on the world. Legacy and Impact: Emperor Ashoka's reign stands as a testament to his commitment to social welfare and ethical governance. His policies focused on ensuring the well-being of his subjects, promoting education, and fostering religious harmony. His rock and pillar edicts, inscribed in various parts of his empire, continue to offer insights into his philosophy and vision for a just society. Conclusion: Emperor Ashoka's life journey from a warrior king to an enlightened monarch is a compelling narrative of personal transformation and enduring legacy. His reign continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the potential for positive change, even in the most powerful of rulers. As we explore the life of Ashoka the Great, we uncover a story of compassion, wisdom, and a remarkable pursuit of a harmonious and just society. Throughout these chapters, we unravel the narrative of a ruler whose edicts and inscriptions on pillars and rocks conveyed not just commands but a moral code, a vision for a just and compassionate society. Let's embark on this exploration, a pilgrimage through the life and legacy of a leader whose story resonates across centuries, offering wisdom and insight that transcends the confines of an era long gone. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: A Buddhist Approach to International Relations William J. Long, 2021 This book is an open access book. Many scholars have wondered if a non-Western theory of international politics founded on different premises, be it from Asia or from the Global South, could release international relations from the grip of a Western, Westphalian model. This book argues that a Buddhist approach to international relations could provide a genuine alternative. Because of its distinctive philosophical positions and its unique understanding of reality, human nature and political behavior, a Buddhist theory of IR offers a way out of this dilemma, a means for transcending the Westphalian predicament. The author explains this Buddhist IR model, beginning with its philosophical foundations up through its ideas about politics, economics and statecraft. William J. Long is Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University.-- |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Legend of King Aśoka John S. Strong, 1989 This first English translation of the Asokavadana text, the Sanskrit version of the legend of King Asoka, first written in the second century A.D. Emperor of India during the third century B.C. and one of the most important rulers in the history of Buddhism. Asoka has hitherto been studied in the West primarily from his edicts and rock inscriptions in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. Through an extensive critical essay and a fluid translation, John Strong examines the importance of the Asoka of the legends for our overall understanding of Buddhism. Professor Strong contrasts the text with the Pali traditions about Kind Asoka and discusses the Buddhist view of kingship, the relationship of the state and the Buddhist community, the king s role in relating his kingdom to the person of the Buddha, and the connection between merit making, cosmology, and Buddhist doctrine. An appendix provides summaries of other stories about Asoka. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Lost Enlightenment S. Frederick Starr, 2015-06-02 The forgotten story of Central Asia's enlightenment—its rise, fall, and enduring legacy In this sweeping and richly illustrated history, S. Frederick Starr tells the fascinating but largely unknown story of Central Asia's medieval enlightenment through the eventful lives and astonishing accomplishments of its greatest minds—remarkable figures who built a bridge to the modern world. Because nearly all of these figures wrote in Arabic, they were long assumed to have been Arabs. In fact, they were from Central Asia—drawn from the Persianate and Turkic peoples of a region that today extends from Kazakhstan southward through Afghanistan, and from the easternmost province of Iran through Xinjiang, China. Lost Enlightenment recounts how, between the years 800 and 1200, Central Asia led the world in trade and economic development, the size and sophistication of its cities, the refinement of its arts, and, above all, in the advancement of knowledge in many fields. Central Asians achieved signal breakthroughs in astronomy, mathematics, geology, medicine, chemistry, music, social science, philosophy, and theology, among other subjects. They gave algebra its name, calculated the earth's diameter with unprecedented precision, wrote the books that later defined European medicine, and penned some of the world's greatest poetry. One scholar, working in Afghanistan, even predicted the existence of North and South America—five centuries before Columbus. Rarely in history has a more impressive group of polymaths appeared at one place and time. No wonder that their writings influenced European culture from the time of St. Thomas Aquinas down to the scientific revolution, and had a similarly deep impact in India and much of Asia. Lost Enlightenment chronicles this forgotten age of achievement, seeks to explain its rise, and explores the competing theories about the cause of its eventual demise. Informed by the latest scholarship yet written in a lively and accessible style, this is a book that will surprise general readers and specialists alike. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: 2500 Years of Buddhism P.V. Bapat, About the life of Buddha |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: King Aśoka and Buddhism Anuradha Seneviratna, 1994 Articles; chiefly relating to India and Sri Lanka. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Ashoka Charles L. Allen, 2012-09-27 Through his third century BCE quest to govern the Indian subcontinent by moral force alone, Ashoka transformed Buddhism from a minor sect into a major world religion. His bold experiment ended in tragedy, and in the tumult that followed the historical record was cleansed so effectively that his name was largely forgotten for almost two thousand years. Yet, a few mysterious stone monuments and inscriptions miraculously survived the purge. In Ashoka: The Search for India's Lost Emperor, historian Charles Allen tells the incredible story of how a few enterprising archaeologists deciphered the mysterious lettering on keystones and recovered India's ancient past. Drawing from rich sources, Allen crafts a clearer picture of this enigmatic figure than ever before. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Dimensions of Buddhist Thought Francis Story, 2011-01-01 This book comprises Francis Story’s contributions to the two serial publications The Wheel and Bodhi Leaves, which belong to his best and most mature writing. With its rich and variegated contents, this book may well serve as an introduction to the Buddha's teachings. The Buddha once said that his Teaching has only one taste, that of liberation. Yet, being a Teaching of Actuality, Buddhism has also dimensions extending to wide fields of human life and thought. Some of them are mirrored in the essays of this volume. These wide-ranging and penetrative writings offer, therefore, many stimulating approaches to Buddhist thought and its application to problems of our time. Contents 1 Hymn for Vaishakha 2 The Buddha—a Unique Teacher 3 The Supreme Conqueror 4 The Appeal of Buddhism 5 The Uniqueness of Buddhism 6 The Four Noble Truths 7 Dialogues on the Dhamma 8 The Scientific Approach to Buddhism 9 The Buddhist World View in the Age of Science 10 A Larger Rationalism 11 Of Gods and Men 12 Prayer and Worship 13 Gods and their Place in Buddhism 14 Cosmological Thought in Buddhism and Modern Science 15 Expanding Universe and Steady-States Universe 16 The Magic Mountain 17 Is there a Beginning? 18 Buddhism and the Origin of Life 19 Divine Creation or Lawful Genesis? 20 Buddhist Meditation 21 Buddhist Mental Therapy 22 Buddhist Lay Ethics 23 The Place of Animals in Buddhism 24 Action 25 Kamma and Causality 26 Kamma and Freedom 27 Collective Karma 28 Beauty and the Buddhist 29 Omniscience and the Buddha 31 Samsara 32 The Way of Dispassion 33 Nibbana |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Asoka, the Buddhist Emperor of India Vincent Arthur Smith, 1997 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Science and Decisions National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Committee on Improving Risk Analysis Approaches Used by the U.S. EPA, 2009-03-24 Risk assessment has become a dominant public policy tool for making choices, based on limited resources, to protect public health and the environment. It has been instrumental to the mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as other federal agencies in evaluating public health concerns, informing regulatory and technological decisions, prioritizing research needs and funding, and in developing approaches for cost-benefit analysis. However, risk assessment is at a crossroads. Despite advances in the field, risk assessment faces a number of significant challenges including lengthy delays in making complex decisions; lack of data leading to significant uncertainty in risk assessments; and many chemicals in the marketplace that have not been evaluated and emerging agents requiring assessment. Science and Decisions makes practical scientific and technical recommendations to address these challenges. This book is a complement to the widely used 1983 National Academies book, Risk Assessment in the Federal Government (also known as the Red Book). The earlier book established a framework for the concepts and conduct of risk assessment that has been adopted by numerous expert committees, regulatory agencies, and public health institutions. The new book embeds these concepts within a broader framework for risk-based decision-making. Together, these are essential references for those working in the regulatory and public health fields. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: A People's History of the World Chris Harman, 2017-05-02 Building on A People’s History of the United States, this radical world history captures the broad sweep of human history from the perspective of struggling classes. An “indispensable volume” on class and capitalism throughout the ages—for readers reckoning with the history they were taught and history as it truly was (Howard Zinn) From the earliest human societies to the Holy Roman Empire, from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment, from the Industrial Revolution to the end of the twentieth century, Chris Harman provides a brilliant and comprehensive history of the human race. Eschewing the standard accounts of “Great Men,” of dates and kings, Harman offers a groundbreaking counter-history, a breathtaking sweep across the centuries in the tradition of “history from below.” In a fiery narrative, he shows how ordinary men and women were involved in creating and changing society and how conflict between classes was often at the core of these developments. While many scholars see the victory of capitalism as now safely secured, Harman explains the rise and fall of societies and civilizations throughout the ages and demonstrates that history moves ever onward in every age. A vital corrective to traditional history, A People's History of the World is essential reading for anyone interested in how society has changed and developed and the possibilities for further radical progress. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Modern South Asia Sugata Bose, Ayesha Jalal, 2004 A wide-ranging survey of the Indian sub-continent, Modern South Asia gives an enthralling account of South Asian history. After sketching the pre-modern history of the subcontinent, the book concentrates on the last three centuries from c.1700 to the present. Jointly written by two leading Indian and Pakistani historians, Modern South Asia offers a rare depth of understanding of the social, economic and political realities of this region. This comprehensive study includes detailed discussions of: the structure and ideology of the British raj; the meaning of subaltern resistance; the refashioning of social relations along lines of caste class, community and gender; and the state and economy, society and politics of post-colonial South Asia The new edition includes a rewritten, accessible introduction and a chapter by chapter revision to take into account recent research. The second edition will also bring the book completely up to date with a chapter on the period from 1991 to 2002 and adiscussion of the last millennium in sub-continental history. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Great Disciples of the Buddha Nyanaponika (Thera), Hellmuth Hecker, 2003-06-15 This book is a compilation of twenty-four life stories of the closest and most eminent of the Buddha's personal disciples. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: History of International Relations Erik Ringmar, 2019-08-02 Existing textbooks on international relations treat history in a cursory fashion and perpetuate a Euro-centric perspective. This textbook pioneers a new approach by historicizing the material traditionally taught in International Relations courses, and by explicitly focusing on non-European cases, debates and issues. The volume is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on the international systems that traditionally existed in Europe, East Asia, pre-Columbian Central and South America, Africa and Polynesia. The second part discusses the ways in which these international systems were brought into contact with each other through the agency of Mongols in Central Asia, Arabs in the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, Indic and Sinic societies in South East Asia, and the Europeans through their travels and colonial expansion. The concluding section concerns contemporary issues: the processes of decolonization, neo-colonialism and globalization – and their consequences on contemporary society. History of International Relations provides a unique textbook for undergraduate and graduate students of international relations, and anybody interested in international relations theory, history, and contemporary politics. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The English Governess at the Siamese Court Anna Leonowens, 2009-08-19 Such was Chow Phya Sri Sury Wongse when I was first presented to him: a natural king among the dusky forms that surrounded him, the actual ruler of that semi- barbarous realm, and the prime contriver of its arbitrary policy. Black, but comely, robust, and vigorous, neck short and thick, nose large and nostrils wide, eyes inquisitive and penetrating, his was the massive brain proper to an intellect deliberate and systematic. Well found in the best idioms of his native tongue, he expressed strong, discriminative thoughts in words at once accurate and abundant. His only vanity was his English, with which he so interlarded his native speech, as often to impart the effect of levity to ideas that, in themselves, were grave, judicious, and impressive. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: To Uphold the World Bruce Rich, 2010-03-01 In 1991, Bruce Rich traveled to Orissa and gazed upon the rock edicts erected by the Indian emperor Ashoka over 2,200 years ago. Intrigued by the stone inscriptions that declared religious tolerance, conservation, nonviolence, species protection, and human rights, Rich was drawn into Ashoka's world. Ashoka was a powerful conqueror who converted to Buddhism on the heels of a bloody war, yet his empire rested on a political system that prioritized material wealth and amoral realpolitik. This system had been perfected by Kautilya, a statesman who wrote the world's first treatise on economics. In this powerful critique of the current wave of globalization, Rich urgently calls for a new global ethic, distilling the messages of Ashoka and Kautilya while reflecting on thinkers from across the ages—from Aristotle and Adam Smith to George Soros. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Monumental Java J.F. Scheltema, 1996-12 With Illustrations And Vignettes After Drawings Of Javanese Chandi Ornaments. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Public Zen, Personal Zen Peter D. Hershock, 2014-03-14 Among Buddhist traditions, Zen has been remarkably successful in garnering and sustaining interest outside the Buddhist homelands of Asia, and “zen” is now part of the global cultural lexicon. This deeply informed book explores the history of this enduring Japanese tradition—from its beginnings as a form of Buddhist thought and practice imported from China to its reinvention in medieval Japan as a force for religious, political, and cultural change to its role in Japan’s embrace of modernity. Going deeper, it also explores Zen through the experiences and teachings of key individuals who shaped Zen as a tradition committed to the embodiment of enlightenment by all. By bringing together Zen’s institutional and personal dimensions, Peter D. Hershock offers readers a nuanced yet accessible introduction to Zen as well as distinctive insights into issues that remain relevant today, including the creative tensions between globalization and localization, the interplay of politics and religion, and the possibilities for integrating social transformation with personal liberation. Including an introduction to the basic teachings and practices of Buddhism and an account of their spread across Asia, Public Zen, Personal Zen deftly blends historical detail with the felt experiences of Zen practitioners grappling with the meaning of human suffering, personal freedom, and the integration of social and spiritual progress. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Islam and the Trajectory of Globalization Louay M. Safi, 2021-10-18 The book examines the growing tension between social movements that embrace egalitarian and inclusivist views of national and global politics, most notably classical liberalism, and those that advance social hierarchy and national exclusivism, such as neoliberalism, neoconservatism, and national populism. In exploring issues relating to tensions and conflicts around globalization, the book identifies historical patterns of convergence and divergence rooted in the monotheistic traditions, beginning with the ancient Israelites that dominated the Near East during the Axial age, through Islamic civilization, and finally by considering the idealism-realism tensions in modern times. One thing remained constant throughout the various historical stages that preceded our current moment of global convergence: a recurring tension between transcendental idealism and various forms of realism. Transcendental idealism, which prioritize egalitarian and universal values, pushed periodically against the forces of realism that privilege established law and power structure. Equipped with the idealism-realism framework, the book examines the consequences of European realism that justified the imperialistic venture into Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America in the name of liberation and liberalization. The ill-conceived strategy has, ironically, engendered the very dysfunctional societies that produce the waves of immigrants in constant motion from the South to the North, simultaneously as it fostered the social hierarchy that transfer external tensions into identity politics within the countries of the North. The book focuses particularly on the role played historically by Islamic rationalism in translating the monotheistic egalitarian outlook into the institutions of religious pluralism, legislative and legal autonomy, and scientific enterprise at the foundation of modern society. It concludes by shedding light on the significance of the Muslim presence in Western cultures as humanity draws slowly but consistently towards what we may come to recognize as the Global Age. The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781003203360, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Shape of Things to Come H. G. Wells, 2016-09-14 First published in 1933, The Shape of Things to Come is science fiction novel written by H. G. Wells. Within it, world events between 1933 and 2106 are speculated with a single superstate representing the solution to all humanity's problems. A classic example of Wellsian prophesy, this volume is highly recommended for fans of his work and of the science fiction genre. Herbert George Wells (1866 - 1946) was a prolific English writer who wrote in a variety of genres, including the novel, politics, history, and social commentary. Today, he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the science fiction genre thanks to such novels as The Time Machine (1895), The Invisible Man (1897), and The War of the Worlds (1898). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Buddha Trevor Ling, 2013-12-16 A warm and stimulating book, this text describes the India into which the Buddha was born, recounts what is known of his life and the development of his teachings, and then follows the course of Buddhism through succeeding centuries in India and Sri Lanka. Far from being a recluse concerned only with an inner mystical experience, the Buddha always involved himself closely in the social and political world of his time. If he preached detachment from many of the things by which ordinary men are tied, he did so as a means of enriching life rather than escaping it. These examinations and more make this a book to reveal the social-revolutionary potential of Buddhism. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Valley of Kashmir Walter R. Lawrence, Sir Walter Roper Lawrence, 2005 (Reprint London 1895 edn.) |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Monumental Matters Santhi Kavuri-Bauer, 2011-09-19 Built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, India’s Mughal monuments—including majestic forts, mosques, palaces, and tombs, such as the Taj Mahal—are world renowned for their grandeur and association with the Mughals, the powerful Islamic empire that once ruled most of the subcontinent. In Monumental Matters, Santhi Kavuri-Bauer focuses on the prominent role of Mughal architecture in the construction and contestation of the Indian national landscape. She examines the representation and eventual preservation of the monuments, from their disrepair in the colonial past to their present status as protected heritage sites. Drawing on theories of power, subjectivity, and space, Kavuri-Bauer’s interdisciplinary analysis encompasses Urdu poetry, British landscape painting, imperial archaeological surveys, Indian Muslim identity, and British tourism, as well as postcolonial nation building, World Heritage designations, and conservation mandates. Since Independence, the state has attempted to construct a narrative of Mughal monuments as symbols of a unified, secular nation. Yet modern-day sectarian violence at these sites continues to suggest that India’s Mughal monuments remain the transformative spaces—of social ordering, identity formation, and national reinvention—that they have been for centuries. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: God and My Neighbour Robert Blatchford, 1910 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: From Peking to Mandalay Reginald Fleming Johnston, 1908 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Ocean of Churn Sanjeev Sanyal, 2016-08-10 Much of human history has played itself out along the rim of the Indian Ocean. In a first-of-its-kind attempt, bestselling author Sanjeev Sanyal tells the history of this significant region, which stretches across East Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to South East Asia and Australia. He narrates a fascinating tale about the earliest human migrations out of Africa and the great cities of Angkor and Vijayanagar; medieval Arab empires and Chinese ‘treasure fleets’; the rivalries of European colonial powers and a new dawn. Sanjeev explores remote archaeological sites, ancient inscriptions, maritime trading networks and half-forgotten oral histories, to make exciting revelations. In his inimitable style, he draws upon existing and new evidence to challenge well-established claims about famous historical characters and the flow of history. Adventurers, merchants, explorers, monks, swashbuckling pirates, revolutionaries and warrior princesses populate this colourful and multifaceted narrative. The Ocean of Churn takes the reader on an amazing journey through medieval geopolitics and eyewitness accounts of long-lost cities to the latest genetic discoveries about human origins, bringing alive a region that has defined civilization from the very beginning. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Buddhist Backgrounds of the Burmese Revolution Manuel Sarkisyanz, 2013-11-11 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Pakistan Or Partition of India Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, 1946 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Ancient India Bhimrao Ambedkar, 2018-10-20 Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards Untouchables, while also supporting the rights of women and labour. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Kautilya and Non-Western IR Theory Deepshikha Shahi, 2018-09-29 The ancient Indian text of Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra comes forth as a valuable non-Western resource for understanding contemporary International Relations (IR). However, Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra largely suffers from the problem of ‘presentism’, whereby present-day assumptions of the dominant theoretical models of Classical Realism and Neorealism are read back into it, thereby disrupting open reflections on Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra which could retrieve its ‘alternative assumptions’ and ‘unconventional traits’. This book attempts to enable Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra to break free from the problem of presentism – it does so by juxtaposing the elements of continuity and change that showed up at different junctures of the life-history of both ‘Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra’ and ‘Eurocentric IR’. The overall exploratory venture leads to a Kautilyan non-Western eclectic theory of IR – a theory which moderately assimilates miscellaneous research traditions of Eurocentric IR, and, in addition, delivers a few innovative features that could potentially uplift not only Indian IR, but also Global IR. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Buddha and his Dhamma Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, 2024-10-09 Explore the life and teachings of one of history’s most transformative figures with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s The Buddha and His Dhamma. This seminal work offers an in-depth exploration of the Buddha’s life, his revolutionary teachings, and their enduring impact on the world. What led Siddhartha Gautama to become the Buddha, and how did his insights reshape spiritual thought? Discover the story of the Buddha’s journey from prince to enlightened teacher and the profound teachings that emerged from his quest for truth. The Buddha and His Dhamma provides a comprehensive account of the Buddha’s life, from his early years and the quest for enlightenment to the formation of the Buddhist community. Dr. Ambedkar meticulously examines the Buddha’s teachings, exploring their relevance and implications for social justice and personal transformation. Dr. Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer and scholar, presents the Buddha’s teachings in a context that highlights their significance for both historical and contemporary readers, emphasizing the profound impact of Buddhism on individual lives and society. Ready to deepen your understanding of one of the greatest spiritual figures of all time? Dive into The Buddha and His Dhamma and uncover the transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings. Embrace the opportunity to explore this profound work. Purchase The Buddha and His Dhamma today and embark on a journey of spiritual insight and growth. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics Peter Harvey, 2000-06-22 A systematic introduction to Buddhist ethics aimed at anyone interested in Buddhism. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Identity and Violence Amartya Sen, 2007 Amartya Sen argues that most of the conflicts in the contemporary world arise from individuals' notions of who they are, and which groups they belong to - local, national, religious - which define themselves in opposition to others. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas Romila Thapar, 1997 First published by the Clarendon Press in 1961, this authoritative work is based largely on the edicts of Asoka, whose policies are analysed against the background of Mauryan civilization during the third and fourth centuries BC. This is a thoroughly revised edition, with a substantial new afterword by the author, a revised bibliography and index, and a map showing new archaeological sites. |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, 1992 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Edicts of King Asoka Shravasti Dhammika, Aśoka (King of Magadha), 1993 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Buddha and His Teachings Nārada (Maha Thera.), 1973 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: Bangladesh a country study James Heitzman, Robert L. Worden, 1989 |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The Arts of India, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas at the Dallas Museum of Art Dallas Museum of Art, Anne R. Bromberg, 2013 In recent years, the Dallas Museum of Art has expanded its collection of South Asian art from a small number of Indian temple sculptures to nearly 500 works, including Indian Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, Himalayan Buddhist bronze sculptures and ritual objects, artwork from Southeast Asia, and decorative arts from India's Mughal period. Artworks in the collection have origins from the former Ottoman empire to Java, and architectural pieces suggest the grandeur of buildings in the Indian tradition. This volume details the cultural and artistic significance of more than 140 featured works, which range from Tibetan thangkas and Indian miniature paintings to stone sculptures and bronzes. Relating these works to one another through interconnecting narratives and cross-references, scholars and curators provide a broad cultural history of the region. Distributed for the Dallas Museum of Art |
| asoka ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler: The History of Freedom and Other Essays John Neville Figgis, Reginald Vere Laurence, Baron John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, 2015-10-17 This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant. |
Asoka Ruthless Conqueror Or Enlightened Ruler (PDF)
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