Ashoka — Profile, Rankings & Fame Trend

Summary

Updated 2026-06-19

An ancient Indian emperor whose name was nearly lost to history until the 19th century, when scholars cracked the Brahmi script and discovered his stone edicts scattered across the subcontinent — revealing a ruler who turned from conquest to Buddhism after a single bloody war.

Biography

About

Ashoka ruled the Mauryan Empire from around 268 BCE, the third in his dynasty, commanding territory that stretched from present-day Afghanistan to Bangladesh with his capital at Pataliputra. In his eighth regnal year, around 260 BCE, he conquered Kalinga in a brutal campaign — then something shifted. His edicts, carved in stone, show him turning toward "dhamma," righteous conduct, and gradually embracing Buddhism. He became a patron of the faith, founding stupas, backing missionaries, supporting the Third Buddhist council, and funding the sangha. For centuries his existence faded into legend,…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Ashoka

Ashoka

saidundated

Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, has caused this Dhamma edict to be written. Here (in my domain) no living beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice.

— Using primarily Girnar version of the edicts, issued in 257 B.C.

Ashoka

saidundated

To do good is difficult. One who does good first does something hard to do.

— Using primarily Girnar version of the edicts, issued in 257 B.C.

Ashoka

saidundated

Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, desires that all religions should reside everywhere, for all of them desire self-control and purity of heart.

— Using primarily Girnar version of the edicts, issued in 257 B.C.

Ashoka

saidundated

Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, honors both ascetics and the householders of all religions, and he honors them with gifts and honors of various kinds.

— Using primarily Girnar version of the edicts, issued in 257 B.C.

Ashoka

saidundated