Malcolm I.

Smith
Social Studies Honors 9
Asoka Essay
Ruthless Conquer or Enlightened Ruler
Ever since the dawn of history there has been speculation; how do you rule a kingdom?
How far is too far when it comes to securing your power? In 261 BCE Asoka tested the limits
when he caused the death of 200,000 people in the Battle of Kalinga. Even though this was one
of the main reasons he became a superpower in Indian history, for years to come we still question
the morality of his actions and could he have ever repaid them. Asoka may have done wrong,
that will forever be recorded in the history of time but I believe that the good he did was enough
to wash his hands of the blood of innocents and claim the title of Enlightened Ruler. To help
corroborate my outlook on Asoka I will show how he alone strengthened the culture of India,
granted the people freedom of religion, and laid down his views of violence and truly became
enlightened so to speak.
To begin, there had been many civilizations and dynasties spanning millennia, but none
were as mighty and powerful as Asokas. He may have had to commit some gruesome acts but in
the end he created an empire so great none could contest. By defeating the Kalingans he boosted
his empires economy and riches. It stood in the way of the southern routes from the Gange
Valley and had a powerful maritime area (Doc B). Although 100,000 may have died in claiming
this economic boosting territory; I argue that everything he did was for the sake of the country
and his people. I mean in every generation or century there is a war that is regarded as gruesome
or wrong. But sometimes they are called for. We will never know what was going on in Asokas
head as he called for the death of all those people; but I do know that we are not one to judge

him. We did not have to stand there with the weight of an empire on our shoulders. And most of
all; who are we to try and erase everything good Asoka did, all because of one crime. If you
have never commited a sin, then I plead you throw stones at my head. But if you judge me as you
do the same, may stones be thrown at you Pope XVII. This quote I feel really explains why I
feel we are not one to judge and label him simply because of the Battle of Kalinga. There is not
one single person out there who has never commited a sin, who has never wronged somebody.
So was Asoka the best man in the world, no. But was he a ruthless conqueror, no. In winning the
battle of Kalinga, he gave peace to his county and eventually himself. He casted off his ways of
violence and war and pledged a life of peace and harmony. He begged forgiveness and sought
out enlightenment; on his way to become an enlightened ruler