Kalinga War

Introduction

The Kalinga War was a major military conflict fought in ancient India around 261 BCE between the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka and the independent kingdom of Kalinga, located on the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent (present-day Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh). This war is renowned not only for its sheer scale and brutality but also for its profound impact on Emperor Ashoka, leading to his dramatic conversion to Buddhism and a subsequent shift in his imperial policies towards peace and non-violence. The Kalinga War stands as a pivotal event in Indian history, marking a turning point in Ashoka’s reign and significantly influencing the spread of Buddhist philosophy.

Background

In the 3rd century BCE, the Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, had grown into a formidable power, encompassing a vast territory across the Indian subcontinent. By the time Ashoka ascended the throne around 268 BCE, the empire stretched from the borders of Persia in the west to Bengal in the east, and extended south into the Deccan. The independent kingdom of Kalinga, however, remained outside Mauryan control. Kalinga held strategic importance due to its location along vital trade routes connecting northern and southern India, and its control would have provided the Mauryan Empire with a secure eastern coastline. While the exact reasons for Ashoka’s decision to invade Kalinga are debated, they likely involved a combination of strategic considerations, a desire for territorial expansion to consolidate his rule over the entire subcontinent, and the prestige associated with conquering a powerful neighbor.

Causes of the War

Several factors likely contributed to the outbreak of the Kalinga War. For the Mauryan Empire, the conquest of Kalinga would have completed the unification of the major political entities in the Indian subcontinent under its rule, enhancing its power and prestige. Control over Kalinga’s ports would have boosted maritime trade and economic prosperity for the empire. Additionally, Kalinga was known for its military strength and independence, and its continued existence outside Mauryan dominion might have been perceived as a challenge to Ashoka’s authority. From Kalinga’s perspective, maintaining its independence and resisting Mauryan expansion was likely a matter of national pride and self-preservation.

• Events of the War

The Kalinga War was a massive and fiercely fought conflict. Ashoka himself led the Mauryan forces into Kalinga. The Kalingan army put up a valiant resistance, but the sheer size and strength of the Mauryan army ultimately prevailed. The war resulted in immense bloodshed and devastation on both sides. Ashoka’s own edicts provide a stark account of the war’s impact. In Rock Edict XIII, he states:

“One hundred and fifty thousand people were deported, one hundred thousand were killed, and many more died (from other causes).” 

These figures highlight the scale of the carnage and the immense suffering endured by the people of Kalinga. Archaeological evidence, including the discovery of weapon remnants and skeletal remains, corroborates the accounts of a fierce and destructive battle. The war likely involved large-scale infantry, cavalry, and elephant divisions on both sides, resulting in a brutal and protracted struggle.

Impact and Casualties

The immediate impact of the Kalinga War was the subjugation of Kalinga by the Mauryan Empire. However, the human cost of the war was staggering. The edicts speak of the immense loss of life, the displacement of populations, and the widespread suffering inflicted upon the people of Kalinga. The war had a profound psychological impact on Ashoka. Witnessing the death and destruction firsthand filled him with deep remorse and regret. He is quoted in his edicts expressing his anguish over the suffering caused by the conquest:

“Today, if a hundredth or a thousandth part of those people who were killed or died or were deported when Kalinga was annexed were to suffer similarly, it would weigh heavily on the Beloved of the Gods.” 

This profound sense of guilt and sorrow over the consequences of his actions led to a significant transformation in Ashoka’s personal and political life.

Ashoka’s Reaction and Remorse

The Kalinga War served as a major turning point in Ashoka’s reign. The immense suffering he witnessed led to a deep sense of moral and spiritual crisis. He realized the futility and cruelty of war and resolved to abandon the policy of aggressive military expansion. Ashoka’s remorse is clearly articulated in his edicts, where he expresses his regret over the violence and suffering caused by the Kalinga conquest. This remorse paved the way for his embrace of Buddhism and the adoption of a new philosophy of governance based on peace and ethical conduct.

Conversion to Buddhism

Following the Kalinga War, Ashoka turned to Buddhism for solace and guidance. The teachings of the Buddha, emphasizing non-violence, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all beings, deeply resonated with his remorseful state. While the exact timing and circumstances of his conversion are debated, the Kalinga War is widely regarded as the catalyst for this transformative event. Ashoka became a devoted follower of Buddhism and actively promoted its principles throughout his empire.

Shift in Policy

Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism led to a radical shift in his imperial policies. He abandoned the traditional Mauryan policy of military conquest and instead adopted a policy based on Dhamma (righteous conduct). He focused on promoting peace, harmony, and the welfare of his subjects. His edicts reflect this new approach, emphasizing non-violence, tolerance towards all religions, respect for all living beings, and the importance of ethical behavior. Ashoka invested in public works aimed at improving the lives of his people, such as building roads, hospitals, and rest houses. He also sent emissaries to neighboring kingdoms to spread the message of peace and Dhamma.

Long-Term Consequences

The Kalinga War had significant long-term consequences for both the Mauryan Empire and the spread of Buddhism. Ashoka’s renunciation of aggressive warfare ushered in a period of relative peace and stability in the empire. His active promotion of Buddhism contributed to its widespread dissemination across India and beyond, eventually leading to its establishment as a major world religion. The principles of Dhamma that Ashoka championed influenced the development of ethical and political thought in India for centuries to come.

Historical Significance

The Kalinga War holds immense historical significance as a turning point in the life of Emperor Ashoka and the history of the Mauryan Empire. It stands as a powerful example of how the horrors of war can lead to profound personal and political transformation. Ashoka’s remorse and his subsequent embrace of Buddhism and a policy of Dhamma have made him a unique figure in the annals of history, remembered not for his military conquests but for his commitment to peace and ethical governance.

Legacy

The Kalinga War is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the potential for even the most powerful rulers to choose a path of peace and compassion. Ashoka’s transformation following the war is a central theme in his enduring legacy. The war is often cited as a historical example of the impact of violence on human conscience and the potential for redemption and positive change. Ashoka’s edicts, which document the war and its aftermath, remain invaluable historical sources and continue to inspire discussions on ethics, leadership, and the principles of just governance.