The Mauryan Empire — Question 2

The Kalinga war was fought between the ruler of Kalinga and Ashoka. The ruler of Kalinga was very powerful and that's why Ashoka faced tough resistance. Ashoka won the war but both sides suffered heavy losses. Ashoka was so moved by the death, destruction and human suffering in the war that he decided not to wage any war in future. From then onwards, the policy of Digvijaya (conquest of territory) was replaced by Dhamma Vijaya (conquest through dharma). He embraced Buddhism and devoted the rest of his life for the welfare of his people.