Ashoka

Ashoka

Ashoka was the grandson of the first Mauryan ruler, Chandragupta Maurya. Ashoka first served as a governer of two provinces. He was strongly influenced by Buddhism, and eventually converted to it. He promoted his religion throughout India while still respecting Hinduism. Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to the Middle East and Sri Lanka. Ashoka extended the teritory of the Mauryans by gaining all but the southern tip of India. He sponsored the building ot stupas, sperical religious shrines containing relics of the Buddha. He worked hard to improve trade and communication as well as developing an extensive system that had many wells and rest stops for travelers. Commerce improved largely under Ashoka's rule. Ashoka's politcal style of goverment did not have a strong impact, and after Ashoka, the empire began to decline.

Sources http://www.csuchico.edu/~cheinz/syllabi/asst001/spring98/Ashoka.htm http://www215.pair.com/sacoins/images/maps/ashoka_250bc.gif

Unit 2 Terms Created By: Danielle Fishman September 21, 2008 Edited by Rachel Mitchell 9/22/08 Edited by Hannah Hollon 9/22/08 Edited by Christina Oelnser 9-23-08 Edited by Stacy Fairey 9.23.08 Edited by Joe Hampton on September 24, 2008.