Ashoka, one of India's most illustrious emperors, managed to rule over most of the Indian subcontinent through his military conquests and attempts to support unification. A recent convert to Buddhism, Ashoka saw the future of his empire in the harmony and serenity of its teachings. Once Ashoka had brought together such an inconceivable number of individuals, the most onerous task was yet to come, maintaining peace among them. Ashoka's response to this arduous task was to devise and distribute an assortment of edicts to the people of the Maurya Empire, which would quickly make their religious beliefs known. Emperor Ashoka's edicts were created to solve many of the widespread problems his empire faced, through creating a more peaceful and respectful public. These proclamations would outline and spread Buddhism through understanding the Dhamma, teach people morality and peace, and defend both humans and animals. Ashoka, a profoundly virtuous man, did all he could for the betterment of his people. When Ashoka, the Beloved of the Gods, first became king of the Maurya Empire, he was a cruel and savage ruler. Ashoka's conquest of Kalinga led to one hundred thousand deaths, not counting the deaths of his own men, nor of all the people who were inadvertently affected by this horrible war. But, once Kalinga was annexed by the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka began to feel guilty for his actions, prompting him to adopt and spread the teachings of Buddhism, particularly that of the Dhamma (Thapar 255). This Buddhist teaching, which supported order, called for an end to war and violence, as well as unnecessary sacrifices and festivals (Thapar 250). The Dhamm...... middle of paper......and spread this idea to its citizens. All in all, Emperor Ashoka's edicts were created to solve many of the widespread problems his empire faced, through the creation of a more peaceful and respectful public. Ashoka decided to unite his people through the Buddhist principles of peace and non-violence towards all. These proclamations would outline and spread Buddhism through understanding the Dhamma, teach people morality and peace, and defend both humans and animals. Ashoka managed to rally his citizens in such a way that refusing would end up hurting them in the long run. He was tired of the constant violence and was now ready for a new era of unity and prosperity. Works Cited Thapar, Romila. "Appendix V." Ashoka and the decline of the Mauryas. Delhi: Oxford UniversityPress, 1997. 250-66. Press.