Page 59 - SST Class 06

Dharma Chakra adorning the Ashok stambh has great valor that on number of occasions they
been made a part of the Indian National Flag.
The emblem of the Republic of India has been
adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
WAR WITH KALINGA
In the 12th year of his reign, he sent a message to
Kalinga asking its submission, but the Kalingaraj
refused to submit to the Mauryan empire.
As a result Ashoka lead a huge army against
Kalinga. This took place in 261 BC, the freedom
loving people of Kalinga offered a stiff resistance
to the Mauryan army. The whole of Kalinga
turned into a battle arena. History offers us few
examples of such fiercely fought wars as this. The
Kalingaraj himself commanded his army in the
battle field. However, the limited forces of
Kalinga were no match for the overwhelming
Magadha army. Contrary to Ashoka's expecta-
tions, the people of Kalinga fought with such
Battle of Kalinga
Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, conquered
the Kalingas 8 years after he became king. One
hundred and fifty thousand were deported, one
hundred thousand were killed and many more
died (from other causes). After the Kalingas had
been conquered, beloved-of-the-Gods came to
feel a strong inclination towards the dhamma, a
love for the dhamma and for instruction in
dhamma. Now, Beloved-of-the-Gods fells deep
sadness for having conquered the Kalingas.
Indeed, Beloved-of-the-Gods is deeply pained by
the killing, dying and deportation that take place
Social Science-6
came very close to a victory. The soldiers of
Kalinga perished in the battlefield fighting till their
last breath for their independence. The victory
ultimately rested with Ashoka.
The war took a tremendous toll of life and
property. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka throws
light on this war. Atleast 0.1 million Kalingans
were killed while another 0.15 million were taken
prisoners. And almost equal number of Magadha
soldiers were also killed. There was not a single
man left in Kalinga to live a life of slavery.
This is the singular instance of a war in history
which brought about a complete change of heart
in a stern ruler like Ashoka. The scene of the war
presented a horrible sight, the whole terrain was
covered with the corpses of soldiers, wounded
soldiers groaned in severe pain, vultures hovered
over their dead bodies, orphaned children
mourning the loss of their nears and dears,
widows looked blank and despaired.
This sight overwhelmed Ashoka. He realised that
his victory at such a cost is not worthwhile. The
whole war resulted in Ashoka's deviation towards
Buddhism and after two and a half years he
became an ardent follower of Buddhism under
Acharya Upgupta.
Let’s read what he wrote :
when an unconquered country is conquered.
But, Beloved-of-the-God is pained even more by
this—that brahmanas, saints, and householders
of different religions who live in those countries,
and who are respectful to superiors, to mother
and father, to elders, and who behave properly
and have strong loyalty towards friends, com-
panions, relatives, servants and employees—are
injured, killed or separated from their loved ones.
Even those who are not affected (by all this)
suffer when they see friends, companions and
relatives affected. These misfortunes befall all (as
59