Asokan Statecraft
Did Ashoka disband his army? | Post-Kalinga Policy
Ashoka became a Buddhist after the Kalinga War, but he never disbanded his army or completely abolished capital punishment.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2016
Evidence Source
Link ↗Statement I: King Ashoka abolished capital punishment and disbanded his army.
Statement II: After Kalinga War, Ashoka was remorseful and became a Buddhist.
Select the correct answer:
[UPSC CDS 2016 (II)]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Distinguishing between Ashoka's moral transformation and the pragmatic realities of imperial governance.
Authentic Source Evidence
Ashoka's edicts (Separate Kalinga Edict) show that while he preached Ahimsa, he warned the 'forest tribes' of his power, proving he kept his army. He also retained capital punishment but granted a three-day respite for prisoners to appeal or prepare for death.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Did Ashoka completely renounce violence?"
He renounced offensive warfare (conquest by sword) but maintained the state's military and judicial machinery to ensure internal order.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Ashoka's kingship was a blend of Buddhist ethics and Mauryan realism; he was a 'Pious Emperor', not a pacifist monk."
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