Final answer:
The Battle of Kalinga was significant as it caused Ashoka to convert to Buddhism, which led to reforms intended to promote harmony and this transformed his reign to focus on non-violence, benevolence, and the welfare of his people.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of the Battle of Kalinga in Ashoka's Story
The Battle of Kalinga was a pivotal moment in Emperor Ashoka's life and reign over the Mauryan Empire. Following this battle in 260 BCE, which resulted in extreme carnage with an estimated 100,000 deaths, Ashoka experienced profound remorse for the suffering caused. This transformative event led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and its principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), severely altering his approach to governance.
As a Buddhist ruler, Ashoka implemented reforms to promote harmony and compassionate rule throughout India, leaving a legacy that significantly influenced both the Mauryan Empire and the spread of Buddhism across Asia. Ashoka's edicts on stone pillars exemplified his new policy of peace over military conquest. These pillars communicated his intent to rule with benevolence and morality, addressing his subjects in their local languages, which was a significant departure from the court's usage of Sanskrit.
Ashoka's commitment to Buddhism extended far beyond his personal conversion. He supported missions to propagate Buddhism to neighboring countries like Burma (current day Myanmar) and Sri Lanka. Moreover, his moral and social reforms, including building hospitals and planting trees, demonstrated a dedication to improving the welfare of his subjects and environment.