What is kalinga war?

The Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE) was a pivotal event in Indian history, marking a significant transformation in the reign of the Mauryan Emperor, <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Ashoka%20the%20Great">Ashoka the Great</a>. It was fought between the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka and the independent kingdom of <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Kalinga">Kalinga</a>, located in present-day Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.

The primary reasons for the war were Ashoka's desire for territorial expansion and Kalinga's strategic importance for controlling trade routes. Kalinga posed a threat to the Mauryan Empire due to its independent status and its control over lucrative maritime routes.

The war was exceptionally brutal, resulting in massive casualties on both sides. The scale of the bloodshed and suffering deeply affected Ashoka. According to his own edicts, the war led to the death of over 100,000 people and the displacement of even more.

The Kalinga War became a turning point in Ashoka's life. Witnessing the devastation caused by the war, he experienced profound remorse and embraced <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Buddhism">Buddhism</a>. He subsequently adopted a policy of dhamma, which emphasized non-violence, moral conduct, and social welfare. Ashoka's edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout his empire, reflect his commitment to these principles. The war is often cited as a prime example of the transformative power of empathy and the renunciation of violence in favor of peaceful coexistence. It profoundly impacted Ashoka's subsequent policies and helped shape the Mauryan Empire into a welfare state.