In 272 BC, Ashoka became Mauryan emperor. Among his early actions was an expansionist war against the state of Kalinga.
Horrified by the sufferings this inflicted on innocent and righteous victims, and influenced by the teachings of Buddhism, Ashoka devoted the rest of his reign to promoting dhamma (righteousness) among his subjects.
In pursuit of this aim he had rock edicts carved in every region of his empire, expounding the rules of personal conduct, morality and social responsibility by which he wished his peoples to live.
In the following extract from his rock edicts, Ashoka refers to himself as Devanampriya Priyadarsin, two royal titles.
