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The Bloody Conquest of Kalinga (260 BCE) - Ashoka's Turning Point
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In 260 BCE, one of the most pivotal and brutal wars in ancient Indian history took place—the Mauryan Empire's conquest of the Kalinga Kingdom. This event not only reshaped the political landscape of India but also transformed Emperor Ashoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, from a ruthless conqueror into a devout follower of Buddhism and an advocate of peace.
By the mid-3rd century BCE, the Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya and expanded by his son Bindusara, was already the dominant power in the Indian subcontinent. However, the prosperous and independent Kalinga Kingdom (modern-day Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh) remained outside Mauryan control. Kalinga was a wealthy maritime state with a strong military, thriving trade, and a fiercely independent spirit.
Ashoka, seeking to complete his grandfather's vision of a unified empire, launched a massive invasion of Kalinga. The conflict was one of the bloodiest in ancient Indian history. Historical accounts, including Ashoka's own edicts, describe horrific casualties—over 100,000 soldiers and civilians killed, and 150,000 deported or enslaved. The River Daya reportedly ran red with blood.
The sheer scale of suffering deeply affected Ashoka. Stricken with remorse, he underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He embraced Buddhism, renounced further military conquests, and adopted Dhamma (righteousness) as his guiding principle. His famous Rock Edict XIII describes his regret over the war and his commitment to non-violence and welfare policies.
The conquest of Kalinga was not just a military victory—it was the moment that defined Ashoka's reign and left an enduring mark on world history.
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