Asokan Political and Relgious Motivations for Buddhist Conversion
Asokan pillar at Vaishali, Bihar, India
Asoka Pillar, New Delhi, India
Lumbini-Asokan Pillar
An enlargement of the inscriptions, this Pillar is located in Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. The above inscription states, "here the Buddha was born."
Brick Coloring
Lion Pillar and Base
Pillar Background
Ashoka's Pillar
Close Up of Pillar
Abstract:Asoka ruled India for roughly 41 years. In the 9th year of his reign, there was an uprising in Kalinga, India. He violently responded and many people died or were injured as a result. Asoka, shortly afterwards, converted to Buddhism in response to his remorse and guilt. However, there were other motivations for his conversion. The political and social atmospheres in India were changing and in order to maintain the power he desired, he needed to reconnect with the people. There was a movement toward Buddhism and his conversion to Buddhism propelled the movement as well as cemented his power.
Asokan Political and Relgious Motivations for Buddhist Conversion
An enlargement of the inscriptions, this Pillar is located in Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. The above inscription states, "here the Buddha was born."
Abstract: Asoka ruled India for roughly 41 years. In the 9th year of his reign, there was an uprising in Kalinga, India. He violently responded and many people died or were injured as a result. Asoka, shortly afterwards, converted to Buddhism in response to his remorse and guilt. However, there were other motivations for his conversion. The political and social atmospheres in India were changing and in order to maintain the power he desired, he needed to reconnect with the people. There was a movement toward Buddhism and his conversion to Buddhism propelled the movement as well as cemented his power.