Q. After the Kalinga war, Ashoka :
(a) restored all the kingdoms he had conquered
(b) abandoned the policy of physical conquests in favour of cultural conquests.
(c) renounced his kingdom and became a sadhu
(d) followed the policy of physical occupation more rigorously
Ans: (b) abandoned the policy of physical conquests in favour of cultural conquests.
Explanation: After the Kalinga war, Ashoka, the Maurya emperor, chose option (b) abandoned the policy of physical conquests in favor of cultural conquests.
The Kalinga war, fought around 260 BCE, had a profound impact on Ashoka. It was a brutal conflict that resulted in a massive loss of life and caused Ashoka to reflect upon the consequences of his actions. He was deeply moved by the suffering and devastation caused by the war.
As a result, Ashoka experienced a transformation and underwent a change in his policies and approach. He renounced the path of physical conquest and adopted a policy of non-violence, known as Ahimsa. He sought to promote peace, welfare, and the well-being of his subjects through cultural conquests rather than further military expansion.
Ashoka focused on spreading his message of Dhamma (righteousness), moral principles, and ethical conduct among his people and beyond. He propagated Buddhism and encouraged the principles of compassion, tolerance, and social harmony throughout his empire.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer: Ashoka abandoned the policy of physical conquests in favor of cultural conquests after the Kalinga war.
