Mauryan Pacifism
Ashokan Rock Edict XIII: Kalinga War and Remorse
Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XIII describes the victory and the immense suffering of the Kalinga war, which led him to adopt Dhamma.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part I
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
1998
Evidence Source
Link ↗Which Ashokan Rock Edict describes the victory and injuries of Kalinga war?
[UPSC CSE Pre 1998]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The Kalinga War (261 BCE) was the pivotal moment that transformed Ashoka from a conqueror to a pacifist, a change documented in his own words.
Authentic Source Evidence
Major Rock Edict XIII is the longest and most famous of the edicts. It describes the massive casualties of the Kalinga war and expresses Ashoka's profound grief, leading him to renounce war for 'Dharmavijaya' (Victory through Righteousness).
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Which Greek rulers are named in Rock Edict XIII?"
Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, and Alexander.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Edict XIII is unique in world history as a powerful, public self-indictment by a victorious monarch regarding the horrors of war."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)