Who among the following Mauryan rulers conquered Kalinga?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Ashoka.
The Mauryan ruler who conquered Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) was Ashoka the Great.
Key Details:
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Year of Conquest: 261 BCE (recorded in Ashoka's 13th Rock Edict).
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Aftermath: The brutal war (with massive casualties) led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and adopt Dhamma (non-violence and moral governance).
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Legacy: The Kalinga War marked a turning point in Ashoka's reign, shifting his focus from military conquests to a rule centered on welfare and compassion.