CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 7: Ashoka The Emperor Who Gave Up War Notes

Key Points: The Mauryan Empire and Ashoka

• Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire over 2300 years ago, supported by Chanakya (Kautilya).
• Chanakya's ideas are detailed in the book Arthashastra, covering governance and statecraft.
• Ashoka was Chandragupta's grandson, becoming one of the most famous Mauryan rulers.
• The Kalinga War (modern-day Odisha) was a pivotal event that transformed Ashoka's outlook.
• Witnessing immense violence and suffering, Ashoka decided to abandon warfare and embrace Dhamma (Dharma in Sanskrit).
• Ashoka's Dhamma was a moral code focusing on peace, non-violence, respect for elders, kindness to servants, and religious tolerance.
• He appointed officials called Dhamma Mahamattas to spread his message.
• Ashoka engraved his messages on rock and pillar edicts throughout his empire, written in Prakrit and Brahmi script.
• He sent missionaries to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia to spread Dhamma and Buddhism.
• The Ashoka Chakra (wheel with 24 spokes) found on the Sarnath Lion Capital is now part of India's national flag, symbolising righteousness and movement.

Key Definitions for Revision

Mauryan Empire

A vast and powerful empire in ancient India (c. 322–185 BCE), founded by Chandragupta Maurya, which reached its peak under Ashoka.

Chanakya (Kautilya)

A wise Brahmin minister and advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, author of the Arthashastra, known for his political strategies.

Arthashastra

An ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, attributed to Chanakya.

Kalinga War

A brutal war fought by Emperor Ashoka against the state of Kalinga (modern Odisha) around 261 BCE, which led to Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his policy of Dhamma.

Dhamma (Dharma)

Ashoka's moral code and philosophy, based on non-violence, respect for all religions and people, truthfulness, and compassion, derived from Buddhist teachings.

Dhamma Mahamattas

Special officials appointed by Ashoka to travel around his empire, teaching people about Dhamma and resolving disputes.

Edicts

Official proclamations or commands, often carved on rocks, polished stone pillars, or caves, used by Ashoka to communicate his Dhamma.

Ashoka Chakra

A wheel with 24 spokes, symbolising the 24 hours of the day and progress. It represents the 'wheel of Dhamma' and appears on the Indian national flag.

Ashoka's Transformation and the Essence of Dhamma

Emperor Ashoka, initially a fierce and ambitious ruler, underwent a profound transformation after the devastating Kalinga War. The sheer scale of death, destruction, and suffering he witnessed in Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) deeply disturbed him. He was the first ruler in history to give up conquest after winning a war. This experience led him to introspect and renounce further military expansion, opting instead for a path of peace and moral governance. This new philosophy became known as Dhamma.

Ashoka's Dhamma was not a new religion, but rather a set of moral principles and practices he believed would lead to the well-being and happiness of his subjects. Key tenets of Dhamma included:

• Non-violence (Ahimsa): Refraining from harming any living creature. Ashoka even banned animal sacrifices in his kingdom.
• Respect for elders and teachers: Promoting filial piety and reverence for those with wisdom.
• Kindness towards servants and slaves: Emphasizing humane treatment for all, regardless of social status.
• Religious tolerance: Encouraging harmony among different religious sects and discouraging criticism of other faiths.
• Truthfulness and Purity: Promoting honest conduct and inner purity.
• Charity: Encouraging generosity towards others.

Ashoka propagated Dhamma through various means. He engraved his messages on rock and pillar edicts placed in prominent public places, written in the local languages like Prakrit and Brahmi script, so that common people could read and understand them. He appointed special officers called Dhamma Mahamattas whose sole duty was to spread the message of Dhamma and intervene in disputes to ensure justice and harmony. He also sent Buddhist missionaries, including his own son and daughter, to countries like Sri Lanka, Syria, Egypt, and Greece, demonstrating his commitment to a global message of peace. Ashoka's reign is remembered as a period of moral and spiritual awakening in ancient India, leaving an enduring legacy of peace, tolerance, and ethical governance.

How Ashoka Spread His Dhamma

1. — Ashoka had his messages carved on rocks, polished stone pillars, and in caves. These 'edicts' were placed at important crossroads, urban centers, and pilgrimage sites. They were written in Prakrit, the language of the common people, using the Brahmi script, making them accessible to a large audience.
2. — He created a new cadre of officials called 'Dhamma Mahamattas'. Their primary role was to travel throughout the empire, teach people about Dhamma, encourage righteous conduct, and provide assistance to various religious groups and the needy. They also oversaw charitable activities.
3. — Ashoka did not limit the spread of Dhamma to his empire. He sent emissaries and Buddhist missionaries, including his own son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra, to distant lands like Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Syria, Egypt, and Greece, to share the principles of peace and Buddhism.
4. — Ashoka led by example, adopting a simple life and dedicating himself to the welfare of his subjects. He built rest houses, dug wells, planted trees, and provided medical facilities for both humans and animals, demonstrating the practical application of Dhamma.

Exam Tip: Structuring Answers on Ashoka's Dhamma

When answering questions about Ashoka's Dhamma, ensure you cover three key aspects for full marks:

1. The Cause: Briefly mention the Kalinga War as the turning point that led to Ashoka adopting Dhamma.
2. The Principles: Clearly list and explain the core ideas of Dhamma (non-violence, respect, tolerance, kindness). Use keywords from the chapter.
3. The Methods of Propagation: Describe how Ashoka spread Dhamma (Edicts, Dhamma Mahamattas, missionaries, personal example).

Avoid simply stating 'he became a Buddhist'. While his Dhamma was influenced by Buddhism, it was a broader moral code for all subjects. Focus on the impact on society and his legacy.

Quick Check: Test Your Understanding

• Q: Who was Ashoka's grandfather and the founder of the Mauryan Empire? A: Ashoka's grandfather and the founder of the Mauryan Empire was Chandragupta Maurya.
• Q: What was the name of the war that changed Emperor Ashoka's heart? A: The Kalinga War changed Emperor Ashoka's heart, leading him to embrace Dhamma.
• Q: What were 'Dhamma Mahamattas' and what was their role? A: Dhamma Mahamattas were special officials appointed by Ashoka to travel and spread the message of Dhamma among the people.
• Q: Name two key principles of Ashoka's Dhamma. A: Two key principles of Ashoka's Dhamma were non-violence (ahimsa) and respect for all religions and people (religious tolerance).

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