Asoka, also known as Asoka the Great, was the grandson of Chandragupta. Asoka was the third and most powerful ruler of the Mauryan Empire. He became emperor around 269 B.C. and died around 232 B.C..

Under his rule the Mauryan Empire grew to its greatest heights. The estimated population was around 30 million. He controlled all of the India subcontinent except for the extreme southern part.

In the beginning of Asoka's rule, he was cruel and ruthless. He had a prison in the Mauryan empire with the name of "Asoka's Hell". It was said that who ever went in as a prisoner shouldn't come out alive.

He followed in his grandfather's footsteps and waged war to expand the Mauryan Empire. Although this was efficient, it was also a very cruel and bloody way to expand an empire.

Asoka stopped conquering by war after a war in Kalinga. Although victorious, 100,000 to 300,000 soldiers were killed and Asoka felt sorrow over their bloodshed. After this he decided to begin practicing, and become, Bhuddist.

He began to follow Bhudda's rule of "peace to all beings", including animals and plants. Asoka issued an edict to renounce war and embrace the propogation of Dharma. He also began to pursue conquest by righteousness.