Asoka Dbq Analysis

How Should History Remember Asoka?
“Our Reputation does define us, the heart does.” - Maxx Gonzalez. Asoka has a reputation but that doesn't define him. It is the heart that truly reveals him. One emperor that ruled India was Asoka. He ruled from 268 BCE to 232 BCE. Asoka died 232 BCE. He was a ruler that later became a buddhist. How should history remember Asoka? As an Enlightened ruler or a Ruthless Conqueror? In my opinion I think Asoka was an Enlightened Ruler because of Asoka’s Strategy, Asoka’s Awakening, The Edicts of Asoka (map), and Rock Edict XIII: Kalinga.
To begin with, Asoka’s Strategy found in Document B, says Asoka waited nine years before running the trading system. He also got on friendly terms with southern India. In addition in Asoka’s Awakening found in Document C. It says “Asoka gave rich gifts to the poor.” That shows he helped people and wasn’t mean to them. He even went on a quest to get guidance. It says “Asoka goes on pilgrimage seeking a guru, a teacher.” A quest is long. So that is a sacrifice. Surprisingly he even had a conference with people on the best way to govern …show more content…
In Document D and E. It says that Asoka planted herbs and fruits where they didn’t grow. He allowed them to man or beast. Asoka also begged for forgiveness for doing the wrong thing at first. When prisoner's got a death sentence, they just got killed right there and then. Well, Asoka said No, that isn’t the right thing. I will give them three days for their family too appear to the officials and beg for them not to be killed. In rock edicts XII it says, “ By honoring them, one exalts one’s own faith... all deserve to be honored for one reason or another.” That shows he allows all religion and doesn’t restrict it too one. He honers all of them even if he doesn't believe the religion. Asoka had lots of laws. But to my perspective they were not

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