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Ashoka the Great: India's Emperor — Reading Comprehension

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This passage explores the life and legacy of Ashoka the Great, emperor of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India. Discover how Ashoka transformed from a powerful conqueror to a promoter of nonviolence and Buddhism after witnessing the devastation of war. The reading covers Ashoka's rise to power, his use of edicts to spread his new values, and the long-term impact of his reign on Indian civilization and world history. Students will analyze primary evidence, cause-and-effect relationships, and historical significance, while mastering academic vocabulary. The passage is accompanied by a glossary, a simplified version for accessibility, a Spanish translation, a multiple-choice quiz, explanatory writing prompts, and graphic organizers. This resource aligns with HSS 6.5.3 and CCSS RI.6.3, making it ideal for history and literacy classrooms. Includes read aloud audio and Spanish translation for multilingual support.

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"Sarnath lion Ashoka 3rd century BCE India" / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Ashoka was the third ruler of the Mauryan Empire in India, reigning from about 268 BCE to 232 BCE. He is remembered as one of the most influential leaders in ancient history, especially for promoting nonviolence and the spread of Buddhism after years of war. Ashoka’s reign marked a turning point for India and left a legacy that continues to shape the region today.

When Ashoka came to power, the Mauryan Empire was already vast, stretching from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal. Ashoka wanted to make his empire even larger and stronger. In 261 BCE, he launched a brutal military campaign to conquer the kingdom of Kalinga, located on the eastern coast of India. The war was devastating—ancient sources, like Ashoka’s own edicts, claim that over 100,000 people died and many more were wounded or displaced. The suffering witnessed during the Kalinga War had a profound impact on Ashoka. He described his regret in his inscriptions, stating, “Even a hundredth or a thousandth part of those who were killed or died would be considered very many by me.”

After the Kalinga War, Ashoka experienced a transformation. He publicly renounced further conquests and adopted the teachings of Buddhism, which emphasizes compassion, tolerance, and respect for all living things. Ashoka became a patron of Buddhist institutions, building monasteries and stupas—large dome-shaped structures for meditation and worship—across his empire. He sent missionaries as far as Sri Lanka and Central Asia to spread Buddhist ideas. Instead of using violence, Ashoka now governed by moral example, encouraging his subjects to practice dhamma (righteous living).

One of Ashoka’s most important achievements was his use of edicts—official messages carved into stone pillars and rocks throughout his empire. These inscriptions, written in local languages, explained his policies of nonviolence, kindness, and religious tolerance. Archaeologists have found many of these edicts, providing direct evidence of Ashoka’s thoughts and rule. For example, the famous Lion Capital at Sarnath not only served as an imperial symbol but is now the national emblem of India.

Ashoka’s transformation from conqueror to peaceful ruler changed Indian society. His support for Buddhism helped it grow across Asia. Although later rulers did not always follow his policies, Ashoka’s legacy as a ruler who valued morality and human welfare influenced leaders for generations. His reign is an example of how a leader’s choices can shape the destiny of a civilization.

Learning about Ashoka connects to broader themes of leadership, change over time, and the relationship between power and values in world history.

Interesting Fact: The wheel on the Indian flag, called the Ashoka Chakra, comes from a sculpture Ashoka built over 2,000 years ago.

Who was Ashoka?

Emperor of the Mauryan EmpireA Roman generalA Chinese philosopherA Greek king

What did Ashoka do after the Kalinga War?

Adopted BuddhismExpanded his armyBuilt the Taj MahalMoved to Kalinga

What are Ashoka’s edicts?

Stone messages of his policiesBuddhist prayersCoinsHindu temples

What is the Lion Capital?

A sculpture from Ashoka’s empireA city in KalingaA Buddhist textA war leader

Why did Ashoka change his policies?

Witnessed war’s sufferingLost the battleNeeded more landWanted to build temples