Did Ashoka conquer South India?

No; he maintained 'Dhamma' relations with them as neighboring friendly states, as evidenced by his edicts mentioning their kings.

Mauryan Diplomacy & Borders

UPSC Archival Analysis

Q: In which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka, mention has been made of South Indian kingdoms?

Major Rock Edict II of Ashoka mentions the South Indian kingdoms of the Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputras, and Keralaputras in the context of welfare measures.

Exam Year

1991

Evidence Source

Link

ID: HIS_ANC_1991_27 Ref: Standard Educational Reference