Final answer:
Ashoka the Great, the Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, conquered the Deccan region of Kalinga through a military campaign. The battle resulted in a significant loss of life, leading Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and implement reforms promoting peace.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ashoka the Great, the Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, conquered the Deccan region of Kalinga through a military campaign. In approximately 268 BCE, Ashoka's Mauryan army laid siege to the kingdom of Kalinga and won a great battle, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths. The devastating carnage caused Ashoka to have a change of heart, leading him to embrace Buddhism and implement reforms focused on promoting harmony and compassionate rule throughout India.