How did the annexation of Kalinga change Ashoka?

The immense suffering caused by the war led to his deep remorse and conversion to the path of Dhamma/Non-violence.

Mauryan Imperialism

UPSC Archival Analysis

Both statements are true. Ashoka annexed Kalinga primarily to control the strategic land and sea routes to South India and Southeast Asia.

Exam Year

2002

Evidence Source

ID: HIS_ANC_2002_147 Ref: Romila Thapar, Ashoka and the Decline of the Mauryas