Question

How was Ashoka unique?

Answer 1

Hint: Ashoka started or was the first to take many measures which makes him unique. Therefore talk about those steps or measures taken by him. Ashoka, later in his life, also started to propagate a different religion and after a particular war had renounced violence.

Complete answer: Ashoka was the third king of the Mauryan Empire and he was best known for his renunciation of war, development of the concept of dhamma (pious social conduct).
He was also known for his promotion of Buddhism as well as his effective reign of a nearly pan-Indian political entity. During Ashoka’s time the Mauryan Empire stretched from the modern-day Iran through almost the entire Indian subcontinent. Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was one of the main reasons why Ashoka was initially able to rule such a vast empire. Chanakya served under Ashoka’s grandfather Chandragupta, who founded the Mauryan Empire.
Chanakya’s political theories were written down in the Arthashastra and it was with the help of this book that Ashoka was able to rule such a vast empire initially. Ashoka is recognized as one of the most fascinating ancient monarchs for his decision to renounce war after the Kalinga war, his insistence on religious tolerance and his peace efforts to establish Buddhism as a major religion of the world.

Note: Ashoka means “without sorrow” and he is also referred to as Devanampiya Piyadassi in his edicts which is believed to mean “beloved of the gods”.