Ashoka, << uh SHOH kuh >> (?-232 B.C.), ruled the Mauryan Empire from about 272 B.C. until his death. Under his rule, the empire covered much of what are now Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
In 261 B.C., Ashoka conquered Kalinga, a region on the east coast of India. After he saw the bloodshed his conquest had caused, Ashoka declared that he was filled with sorrow and regret. He rejected war as a way of gaining political power. Ashoka had many public announcements inscribed on rocks, stone pillars, and cave walls. His inscriptions recommended Buddhist ideals as the highest moral code, but also urged toleration of all peoples and beliefs. He instructed his officials to preach religion and obedience to his laws. He also sent diplomats and Buddhist missionaries to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Egypt, Greece, Persia, and Syria.
