Ashoka, or Ashoka the Great, was an Indian Emperor of the Maurya Dynasty. Ashoka ruled from around 268 to 232 BC. He is especially known for promoting the spread of Buddhism.
Ashoka's accomplishments also reflect Buddhist ideals. On of the most significant was his change in the relationship between government and religion. Ashoka replaced the traditional idea of divine rule with that of a "Buddhist kingship." He legitimised his rule not by claiming a divine origin, but by earning the approval of the Buddhist monks. This strenghten the ties between the state and the religious elite.
Ashoka also tried to spread Buddhism through the implementation of religious conferences, intellectual monasteries and the writing of sacred texts. These actions not only spread Buddhism all over Asia, but contributed to the spread of secular culture.
Finally, he also introduced laws for promoting animal welfare and maintained peaceful relations with other kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent.
