What was the history of Kalinga War ?

The Rock Edict XIII describes that one lakh people were killed in this war, several lakhs perished and a lakh and a half were taken prisoners.

These figures might be exaggerated, but it is clearly mentioned that this war had a devastating effect on the people of Kalinga. Likewise, this became the last battle fought by Ashoka.

The panic of war completely changed the personality of Ashoka. He felt great regret for the killings of the war. He left the policy of aggression and adopted the policy for the welfare of people and animals.

Ashoka sent ambassadors of peace to the Greek kingdoms in west Asia and several other countries.

Ashoka did not pursue the policy of peace for the sake of peace and under all conditions.

Rajjukas was a class of officers appointed within the empire not only for rewarding people, but also punishing them if required.

Ashoka's personal religion was Buddhism.

In Bhabru rock edict, he says that he had full faith in Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

Ashoka accepted Buddhism as his main faith, but he never forced Buddhist ideals on his subjects.

Ashoka believed in unity among ethical and moral values of all sects. He showed great respect to all sects and faiths.

In Rock Edict XII Ashoka says, "I honor all sects and both ascetics and laymen, with gifts and various forms of recognition". He pronounced his policy of equal respect to all religious sects very clearly.

After the Kalinga War, the propagation of Dhamma became the utmost objective for Ashoka.

Ashoka's edicts explained Dhamma as a 'Moral Law', a 'Common Code of Conduct,’ or an 'Ethical Order'. Further, he says that it is not a religion or a religious system.

In Pillar Edict II, Ashoka puts a question to himself: "What is Dhamma?" Then he mentioned the two basic constituents of Dhamma as less evil and many good deeds.

Ashoka explains evils as rage, cruelty, anger, pride, and envy that are to be avoided.

Ashoka explains many good deeds as kindness, liberality, truthfulness, gentleness, self-control, purity of heart, attachment to morality, inner and outer purity. These good qualities are to be pursued ardently.

Obedience to mother and father, elders, teachers and other respectable persons.

Proper treatment towards ascetics, relations, slaves, servants and dependents, the poor and miserable, friends, acquaintances, and companions.

Dhamma is a code for moral and virtuous life. He never discussed god or soul or religion.

Ashoka implanted a moral law i.e. Dhamma as the governing principle in every sphere of life.

Ashoka made liberal donations to the Brahmans and ascetics of different religious sects.

Ashoka established hospitals for humans and animals and constructed rest-houses. He also ordered wells to be dug and trees to be planted along the roads for welfare of the people.

Non-violence and non-injury to living beings is the cardinal doctrines of Buddhism.

Ashoka conducted ‘Dharmayatras’ (religious journey) and instructed his officials to do the same.

Antiochus Theos of Syria