Kalinga War | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


29 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
The Kalinga War of 261 B.C. is considered as the sheet anchor of Odishan history. With it 
begins the dated history of Orissa. The Mauryan influence over Kalinga not only added a new 
feather in the already crowned Magadhan imperialism, but it also brought about a radical change 
in the existing polity of the land. Though the Nandas had established their authority over 
Kalinga, they had probably altered the existing administrative set up of Kalinga. After  Kalinga 
war ,  an elaborate system of administration was arranged by Ashoka for this newly conquered 
province. 
Kalinga War 
The  Kalinga war was a  milestone in the splendid career of Asoka. It took place in 261 B.C. 
eight years after the coronation of Asoka. A detailed account of this war is known from Rock 
Edict XIII found at Shahbazgarh in Pakistan. Kainga was under the suzerainty of Magadha till 
Dhana Nanda. Kalinga probably slipped away from the fold of Magadhan imperialism when 
Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya revolted against the Nandas around 322-321 B.C. 
Chandragupta Maurya had never attempted to annex Kalinga during his life time. Bindusara had 
also not fought with the people of Kalinga. So, it was a historic necessity on the part of Asoka to 
conquer Kalinga. 
Causes of the Kalinga war 
 The following factors were responsible for the outbreak of the  Kalinga war in 261 B.C. 
Powerful neighbour 
The Magadhan Empire during Asoka had surrounded Kalinga in the north, west and south. Tile 
existence of Kalinga as a powerful neighbour on the border of Magadha was definitely a threat to 
the power and potentiality of the latter. Thus, Kalinga posed a menace to the grand Magadhan 
empire. Before Kalinga rose to that extent, Asoka wanted to defeat and capture  it. 
 
 
Page 2


29 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
The Kalinga War of 261 B.C. is considered as the sheet anchor of Odishan history. With it 
begins the dated history of Orissa. The Mauryan influence over Kalinga not only added a new 
feather in the already crowned Magadhan imperialism, but it also brought about a radical change 
in the existing polity of the land. Though the Nandas had established their authority over 
Kalinga, they had probably altered the existing administrative set up of Kalinga. After  Kalinga 
war ,  an elaborate system of administration was arranged by Ashoka for this newly conquered 
province. 
Kalinga War 
The  Kalinga war was a  milestone in the splendid career of Asoka. It took place in 261 B.C. 
eight years after the coronation of Asoka. A detailed account of this war is known from Rock 
Edict XIII found at Shahbazgarh in Pakistan. Kainga was under the suzerainty of Magadha till 
Dhana Nanda. Kalinga probably slipped away from the fold of Magadhan imperialism when 
Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya revolted against the Nandas around 322-321 B.C. 
Chandragupta Maurya had never attempted to annex Kalinga during his life time. Bindusara had 
also not fought with the people of Kalinga. So, it was a historic necessity on the part of Asoka to 
conquer Kalinga. 
Causes of the Kalinga war 
 The following factors were responsible for the outbreak of the  Kalinga war in 261 B.C. 
Powerful neighbour 
The Magadhan Empire during Asoka had surrounded Kalinga in the north, west and south. Tile 
existence of Kalinga as a powerful neighbour on the border of Magadha was definitely a threat to 
the power and potentiality of the latter. Thus, Kalinga posed a menace to the grand Magadhan 
empire. Before Kalinga rose to that extent, Asoka wanted to defeat and capture  it. 
 
 
 
Imperialistic design of Ashoka 
 Asoka's invasion of Kalinga in 261 B.C. appears to have been actuated by his imperialistic 
designs. By the time of Asoka's accession the Magadhan Empire had spread over most parts of 
India. From the Himalayas in the north to Mysore in the sourth and from the Kabul valley in the 
north-west to Bengal in the east, the whole territory was under the sovereignty of Ashoka. An 
independent kingdom of Kalinga, not very far from the centre of gravity of the Magadhan 
empire, was intolerable for a warlike- king like Chandasoka or Black Asoka . 
Economic prosperity of Kalinga  
There were certain economic factors which had created rivalry between Kalinga and Magadha. 
Kalinga monopolised the oversea trade in the Indian ocean and gained vast wealth. Her wealth 
also increased from inland trade. Through the Mauryas had foreign relation with the 
contemporary Hellenistic powers, they had not maintained commercial relation with them. It 
may also be pointed out that the Mauryas by that time had not built up a naval power and the  
Navadhyaksha (Superintendent of Shiping) mentioned by Kautilya in his Arthasastra was in 
charge of policing the rivers, lakes and seashores rather than building ships for maritime trades. 
So, the economic prosperity of Kalinga became an eye-sore for Magadha. 
Commercial factor 
In trade and commerce, Kalinga was a great competitor of Magadha. Important trade-routes from 
the Gangetic valley to the Deccan and further south passed through Kalinga facilitating her trade 
and commerce. Though, Magadha had foreign relation and huge internal resources, it suffered 
from a commercial crisis due to the lack of trade routes. The existence of flourishing Kalinga 
with her trade and commerce was adversely affecting the economy of the Mauryan empire. 
Stealing of Asoka's jewels by the Nagas 
According to the description of Lama Taranath, a Tibetan author, the Nagas stole away the 
jewels of Asoka. So, the emperor became angry and conquered their territory. These Nagas were 
identified with the seafaring people of Kalinga. In order to take revenge, Asoka invaded Kalinga.   
Legend of Karuvaki 
A strange story regarding the cause of Kalinga war prevails among the fisherman community of 
the eastern coast of Odisha. According to this, Asoka invaded Kalinga being infatuated by the 
beauty of Karuvaki, the daughter of a fisherman and the fiancee of the crown prince of Kalinga. 
Though this fact appears absurd, but it cannot be rejected outright because from the Queen's 
Page 3


29 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
The Kalinga War of 261 B.C. is considered as the sheet anchor of Odishan history. With it 
begins the dated history of Orissa. The Mauryan influence over Kalinga not only added a new 
feather in the already crowned Magadhan imperialism, but it also brought about a radical change 
in the existing polity of the land. Though the Nandas had established their authority over 
Kalinga, they had probably altered the existing administrative set up of Kalinga. After  Kalinga 
war ,  an elaborate system of administration was arranged by Ashoka for this newly conquered 
province. 
Kalinga War 
The  Kalinga war was a  milestone in the splendid career of Asoka. It took place in 261 B.C. 
eight years after the coronation of Asoka. A detailed account of this war is known from Rock 
Edict XIII found at Shahbazgarh in Pakistan. Kainga was under the suzerainty of Magadha till 
Dhana Nanda. Kalinga probably slipped away from the fold of Magadhan imperialism when 
Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya revolted against the Nandas around 322-321 B.C. 
Chandragupta Maurya had never attempted to annex Kalinga during his life time. Bindusara had 
also not fought with the people of Kalinga. So, it was a historic necessity on the part of Asoka to 
conquer Kalinga. 
Causes of the Kalinga war 
 The following factors were responsible for the outbreak of the  Kalinga war in 261 B.C. 
Powerful neighbour 
The Magadhan Empire during Asoka had surrounded Kalinga in the north, west and south. Tile 
existence of Kalinga as a powerful neighbour on the border of Magadha was definitely a threat to 
the power and potentiality of the latter. Thus, Kalinga posed a menace to the grand Magadhan 
empire. Before Kalinga rose to that extent, Asoka wanted to defeat and capture  it. 
 
 
 
Imperialistic design of Ashoka 
 Asoka's invasion of Kalinga in 261 B.C. appears to have been actuated by his imperialistic 
designs. By the time of Asoka's accession the Magadhan Empire had spread over most parts of 
India. From the Himalayas in the north to Mysore in the sourth and from the Kabul valley in the 
north-west to Bengal in the east, the whole territory was under the sovereignty of Ashoka. An 
independent kingdom of Kalinga, not very far from the centre of gravity of the Magadhan 
empire, was intolerable for a warlike- king like Chandasoka or Black Asoka . 
Economic prosperity of Kalinga  
There were certain economic factors which had created rivalry between Kalinga and Magadha. 
Kalinga monopolised the oversea trade in the Indian ocean and gained vast wealth. Her wealth 
also increased from inland trade. Through the Mauryas had foreign relation with the 
contemporary Hellenistic powers, they had not maintained commercial relation with them. It 
may also be pointed out that the Mauryas by that time had not built up a naval power and the  
Navadhyaksha (Superintendent of Shiping) mentioned by Kautilya in his Arthasastra was in 
charge of policing the rivers, lakes and seashores rather than building ships for maritime trades. 
So, the economic prosperity of Kalinga became an eye-sore for Magadha. 
Commercial factor 
In trade and commerce, Kalinga was a great competitor of Magadha. Important trade-routes from 
the Gangetic valley to the Deccan and further south passed through Kalinga facilitating her trade 
and commerce. Though, Magadha had foreign relation and huge internal resources, it suffered 
from a commercial crisis due to the lack of trade routes. The existence of flourishing Kalinga 
with her trade and commerce was adversely affecting the economy of the Mauryan empire. 
Stealing of Asoka's jewels by the Nagas 
According to the description of Lama Taranath, a Tibetan author, the Nagas stole away the 
jewels of Asoka. So, the emperor became angry and conquered their territory. These Nagas were 
identified with the seafaring people of Kalinga. In order to take revenge, Asoka invaded Kalinga.   
Legend of Karuvaki 
A strange story regarding the cause of Kalinga war prevails among the fisherman community of 
the eastern coast of Odisha. According to this, Asoka invaded Kalinga being infatuated by the 
beauty of Karuvaki, the daughter of a fisherman and the fiancee of the crown prince of Kalinga. 
Though this fact appears absurd, but it cannot be rejected outright because from the Queen's 
 
Edict, it is known that Asoka had a queen named Karuvaki who was the mother of Tivara, a son 
of Ashoka. 
Religious factor 
  Religion was another potential factor for Asoka's invasion of Kalinga. Before Kalinga 
War, Asoka was a devout Saiva. Though, it is difficult to ascertain what was the prevalent form 
of religion in Kalinga, with tolerable degree of certainty, it can be stated that Buddhism and not 
Brahminism (Saivism) was prevailing in Kalinga. Asoka might have decided to wage a holy war 
against Kalinga to teach the Buddhists a lesson. Though, nothing concrete is available to the 
historians regarding the nature of polity in Kalinga during Asoka's invasion· and also the state of 
religion in this land, it appears that Brahmanism, as a state religion, did not prevail here. 
However, this is a controversial issue. 
The nature of the Kalinga War 
 The much anticipated Kalinga War took place in 261 B.C. which is known from Meghasthenes 
account that Magadhan army during Chandragupta Maurya, consisted of 6,00,000 men. 
Definitely, it would have increased during Asoka. So, with that grand army Asoka invaded 
Kalinga from north, west and south. However, the Kalingans resisted the attack vehemently. The 
war took place on the bank of the river Daya near Dhauli. The Rock Edict XIII mentions the 
horror of the Kalinga war.  
Results of the Kalinga War 
The Kalinga war had far reaching results which made lasting impact on mankind. The results can 
be discussed as follows: 
Loss of man and material 
Each and every war in history almost results in the loss of man and money. There was huge loss 
of man and material in the Kalinga war. In this war 150,000 soldiers from the side of Kalinga 
were taken as prisoners by Asoka and 100,000 were slain and many others got died out of 
injuries and epidemic after the war. The war brought miseries not only to those who took to arms 
but also to a large number of civil population. 
Annexation of Kalinga 
With the victory of Asoka in the Kalinga war, Kalinga was annexed to Magadhan empire and it 
constituted its fifth province. The other four provinces of the empire were Prachya, Uttarapatha, 
Avanti and Dakshinapatha having their capitals at Magadha, Takshasila, Ujjaini and Suvarnagiri 
Page 4


29 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
The Kalinga War of 261 B.C. is considered as the sheet anchor of Odishan history. With it 
begins the dated history of Orissa. The Mauryan influence over Kalinga not only added a new 
feather in the already crowned Magadhan imperialism, but it also brought about a radical change 
in the existing polity of the land. Though the Nandas had established their authority over 
Kalinga, they had probably altered the existing administrative set up of Kalinga. After  Kalinga 
war ,  an elaborate system of administration was arranged by Ashoka for this newly conquered 
province. 
Kalinga War 
The  Kalinga war was a  milestone in the splendid career of Asoka. It took place in 261 B.C. 
eight years after the coronation of Asoka. A detailed account of this war is known from Rock 
Edict XIII found at Shahbazgarh in Pakistan. Kainga was under the suzerainty of Magadha till 
Dhana Nanda. Kalinga probably slipped away from the fold of Magadhan imperialism when 
Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya revolted against the Nandas around 322-321 B.C. 
Chandragupta Maurya had never attempted to annex Kalinga during his life time. Bindusara had 
also not fought with the people of Kalinga. So, it was a historic necessity on the part of Asoka to 
conquer Kalinga. 
Causes of the Kalinga war 
 The following factors were responsible for the outbreak of the  Kalinga war in 261 B.C. 
Powerful neighbour 
The Magadhan Empire during Asoka had surrounded Kalinga in the north, west and south. Tile 
existence of Kalinga as a powerful neighbour on the border of Magadha was definitely a threat to 
the power and potentiality of the latter. Thus, Kalinga posed a menace to the grand Magadhan 
empire. Before Kalinga rose to that extent, Asoka wanted to defeat and capture  it. 
 
 
 
Imperialistic design of Ashoka 
 Asoka's invasion of Kalinga in 261 B.C. appears to have been actuated by his imperialistic 
designs. By the time of Asoka's accession the Magadhan Empire had spread over most parts of 
India. From the Himalayas in the north to Mysore in the sourth and from the Kabul valley in the 
north-west to Bengal in the east, the whole territory was under the sovereignty of Ashoka. An 
independent kingdom of Kalinga, not very far from the centre of gravity of the Magadhan 
empire, was intolerable for a warlike- king like Chandasoka or Black Asoka . 
Economic prosperity of Kalinga  
There were certain economic factors which had created rivalry between Kalinga and Magadha. 
Kalinga monopolised the oversea trade in the Indian ocean and gained vast wealth. Her wealth 
also increased from inland trade. Through the Mauryas had foreign relation with the 
contemporary Hellenistic powers, they had not maintained commercial relation with them. It 
may also be pointed out that the Mauryas by that time had not built up a naval power and the  
Navadhyaksha (Superintendent of Shiping) mentioned by Kautilya in his Arthasastra was in 
charge of policing the rivers, lakes and seashores rather than building ships for maritime trades. 
So, the economic prosperity of Kalinga became an eye-sore for Magadha. 
Commercial factor 
In trade and commerce, Kalinga was a great competitor of Magadha. Important trade-routes from 
the Gangetic valley to the Deccan and further south passed through Kalinga facilitating her trade 
and commerce. Though, Magadha had foreign relation and huge internal resources, it suffered 
from a commercial crisis due to the lack of trade routes. The existence of flourishing Kalinga 
with her trade and commerce was adversely affecting the economy of the Mauryan empire. 
Stealing of Asoka's jewels by the Nagas 
According to the description of Lama Taranath, a Tibetan author, the Nagas stole away the 
jewels of Asoka. So, the emperor became angry and conquered their territory. These Nagas were 
identified with the seafaring people of Kalinga. In order to take revenge, Asoka invaded Kalinga.   
Legend of Karuvaki 
A strange story regarding the cause of Kalinga war prevails among the fisherman community of 
the eastern coast of Odisha. According to this, Asoka invaded Kalinga being infatuated by the 
beauty of Karuvaki, the daughter of a fisherman and the fiancee of the crown prince of Kalinga. 
Though this fact appears absurd, but it cannot be rejected outright because from the Queen's 
 
Edict, it is known that Asoka had a queen named Karuvaki who was the mother of Tivara, a son 
of Ashoka. 
Religious factor 
  Religion was another potential factor for Asoka's invasion of Kalinga. Before Kalinga 
War, Asoka was a devout Saiva. Though, it is difficult to ascertain what was the prevalent form 
of religion in Kalinga, with tolerable degree of certainty, it can be stated that Buddhism and not 
Brahminism (Saivism) was prevailing in Kalinga. Asoka might have decided to wage a holy war 
against Kalinga to teach the Buddhists a lesson. Though, nothing concrete is available to the 
historians regarding the nature of polity in Kalinga during Asoka's invasion· and also the state of 
religion in this land, it appears that Brahmanism, as a state religion, did not prevail here. 
However, this is a controversial issue. 
The nature of the Kalinga War 
 The much anticipated Kalinga War took place in 261 B.C. which is known from Meghasthenes 
account that Magadhan army during Chandragupta Maurya, consisted of 6,00,000 men. 
Definitely, it would have increased during Asoka. So, with that grand army Asoka invaded 
Kalinga from north, west and south. However, the Kalingans resisted the attack vehemently. The 
war took place on the bank of the river Daya near Dhauli. The Rock Edict XIII mentions the 
horror of the Kalinga war.  
Results of the Kalinga War 
The Kalinga war had far reaching results which made lasting impact on mankind. The results can 
be discussed as follows: 
Loss of man and material 
Each and every war in history almost results in the loss of man and money. There was huge loss 
of man and material in the Kalinga war. In this war 150,000 soldiers from the side of Kalinga 
were taken as prisoners by Asoka and 100,000 were slain and many others got died out of 
injuries and epidemic after the war. The war brought miseries not only to those who took to arms 
but also to a large number of civil population. 
Annexation of Kalinga 
With the victory of Asoka in the Kalinga war, Kalinga was annexed to Magadhan empire and it 
constituted its fifth province. The other four provinces of the empire were Prachya, Uttarapatha, 
Avanti and Dakshinapatha having their capitals at Magadha, Takshasila, Ujjaini and Suvarnagiri 
 
respectively. Tosali was the capital of Kalinga and the centre of political activities for the 
Mauryan administration in Kalinga. Two separate Kalinga edicts of Asoka found at Dhauli and 
Jaugarh enumerate the pattern of Mauryan administration for the province of kalinga. 
Change from Chandasoka to Dharmasoka 
The horror of the Kalinga war changed the mind of Asoka. In Rock Edict XIII, Asoka expresses- 
"In conquering indeed an unconquered country (Kalinga), the slaying, death, deporting that occur 
there are considered extremely painful and serious by the Devanampiya" This war brought about 
a great transformation in the heart of Asoka. He was changed from Chandasoka to Dharmasoka 
with a vow to conquer mankind by conquering the heart of the people and not-to win over them 
by war.  
Acceptance of Buddhism after Kalinga war 
The Kalinga War had brought deep feeling or remorse in the mind of Asoka. It drew himself 
close towards Buddhism. After Kalinga War, he was converted to Buddhism by Upagupta, a 
Buddhist monk or Nigrodha, the seven year old son of Asoka's elder brother Sumana whom he 
had killed or Mogaliputtatissa, the president of the Third Buddhist Council. Whatever the fact 
might be, Asoka accepted Buddhism after the Kalinga war.  
Spread of Buddhism in India and outside countries 
The transformation of Asoka helped in the spread of Buddhism. Buddhism, which was confined 
to the middle of the Gangetic Valley in Pre-Asokan period, suddenly became an all-India 
religion within a decade of his conversion. Not only in India, Buddhism also spread to different 
parts of the world. He sent Mahendra and Sanghamitra, his son and daughter respectively to 
Ceylon, Sana and Uttara to Suvarnabhumi (Burma) and further, he maintained friendly relation 
with Kings of Greece, Syria, Egypt, Macedonia and Cryne by sending missions of peace. Thus, 
Asoka, being converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War, was instrumental for the spread of 
Buddhism from Greece to Burma and from the Himalayas to the Ceylon.  
Paternal attitude towards his subjects 
 Asoka adopted a paternalistic attitude towards his subjects after the Kalinga War. In separate 
Kalinga Edicts (Dhauli and Jaugad) Asoka expresses himself as such . "All men are my children 
and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness both in this 
world and the next, the same I do desire for all men...” This attitude made him a completely 
benevolent ruler. 
Page 5


29 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
The Kalinga War of 261 B.C. is considered as the sheet anchor of Odishan history. With it 
begins the dated history of Orissa. The Mauryan influence over Kalinga not only added a new 
feather in the already crowned Magadhan imperialism, but it also brought about a radical change 
in the existing polity of the land. Though the Nandas had established their authority over 
Kalinga, they had probably altered the existing administrative set up of Kalinga. After  Kalinga 
war ,  an elaborate system of administration was arranged by Ashoka for this newly conquered 
province. 
Kalinga War 
The  Kalinga war was a  milestone in the splendid career of Asoka. It took place in 261 B.C. 
eight years after the coronation of Asoka. A detailed account of this war is known from Rock 
Edict XIII found at Shahbazgarh in Pakistan. Kainga was under the suzerainty of Magadha till 
Dhana Nanda. Kalinga probably slipped away from the fold of Magadhan imperialism when 
Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya revolted against the Nandas around 322-321 B.C. 
Chandragupta Maurya had never attempted to annex Kalinga during his life time. Bindusara had 
also not fought with the people of Kalinga. So, it was a historic necessity on the part of Asoka to 
conquer Kalinga. 
Causes of the Kalinga war 
 The following factors were responsible for the outbreak of the  Kalinga war in 261 B.C. 
Powerful neighbour 
The Magadhan Empire during Asoka had surrounded Kalinga in the north, west and south. Tile 
existence of Kalinga as a powerful neighbour on the border of Magadha was definitely a threat to 
the power and potentiality of the latter. Thus, Kalinga posed a menace to the grand Magadhan 
empire. Before Kalinga rose to that extent, Asoka wanted to defeat and capture  it. 
 
 
 
Imperialistic design of Ashoka 
 Asoka's invasion of Kalinga in 261 B.C. appears to have been actuated by his imperialistic 
designs. By the time of Asoka's accession the Magadhan Empire had spread over most parts of 
India. From the Himalayas in the north to Mysore in the sourth and from the Kabul valley in the 
north-west to Bengal in the east, the whole territory was under the sovereignty of Ashoka. An 
independent kingdom of Kalinga, not very far from the centre of gravity of the Magadhan 
empire, was intolerable for a warlike- king like Chandasoka or Black Asoka . 
Economic prosperity of Kalinga  
There were certain economic factors which had created rivalry between Kalinga and Magadha. 
Kalinga monopolised the oversea trade in the Indian ocean and gained vast wealth. Her wealth 
also increased from inland trade. Through the Mauryas had foreign relation with the 
contemporary Hellenistic powers, they had not maintained commercial relation with them. It 
may also be pointed out that the Mauryas by that time had not built up a naval power and the  
Navadhyaksha (Superintendent of Shiping) mentioned by Kautilya in his Arthasastra was in 
charge of policing the rivers, lakes and seashores rather than building ships for maritime trades. 
So, the economic prosperity of Kalinga became an eye-sore for Magadha. 
Commercial factor 
In trade and commerce, Kalinga was a great competitor of Magadha. Important trade-routes from 
the Gangetic valley to the Deccan and further south passed through Kalinga facilitating her trade 
and commerce. Though, Magadha had foreign relation and huge internal resources, it suffered 
from a commercial crisis due to the lack of trade routes. The existence of flourishing Kalinga 
with her trade and commerce was adversely affecting the economy of the Mauryan empire. 
Stealing of Asoka's jewels by the Nagas 
According to the description of Lama Taranath, a Tibetan author, the Nagas stole away the 
jewels of Asoka. So, the emperor became angry and conquered their territory. These Nagas were 
identified with the seafaring people of Kalinga. In order to take revenge, Asoka invaded Kalinga.   
Legend of Karuvaki 
A strange story regarding the cause of Kalinga war prevails among the fisherman community of 
the eastern coast of Odisha. According to this, Asoka invaded Kalinga being infatuated by the 
beauty of Karuvaki, the daughter of a fisherman and the fiancee of the crown prince of Kalinga. 
Though this fact appears absurd, but it cannot be rejected outright because from the Queen's 
 
Edict, it is known that Asoka had a queen named Karuvaki who was the mother of Tivara, a son 
of Ashoka. 
Religious factor 
  Religion was another potential factor for Asoka's invasion of Kalinga. Before Kalinga 
War, Asoka was a devout Saiva. Though, it is difficult to ascertain what was the prevalent form 
of religion in Kalinga, with tolerable degree of certainty, it can be stated that Buddhism and not 
Brahminism (Saivism) was prevailing in Kalinga. Asoka might have decided to wage a holy war 
against Kalinga to teach the Buddhists a lesson. Though, nothing concrete is available to the 
historians regarding the nature of polity in Kalinga during Asoka's invasion· and also the state of 
religion in this land, it appears that Brahmanism, as a state religion, did not prevail here. 
However, this is a controversial issue. 
The nature of the Kalinga War 
 The much anticipated Kalinga War took place in 261 B.C. which is known from Meghasthenes 
account that Magadhan army during Chandragupta Maurya, consisted of 6,00,000 men. 
Definitely, it would have increased during Asoka. So, with that grand army Asoka invaded 
Kalinga from north, west and south. However, the Kalingans resisted the attack vehemently. The 
war took place on the bank of the river Daya near Dhauli. The Rock Edict XIII mentions the 
horror of the Kalinga war.  
Results of the Kalinga War 
The Kalinga war had far reaching results which made lasting impact on mankind. The results can 
be discussed as follows: 
Loss of man and material 
Each and every war in history almost results in the loss of man and money. There was huge loss 
of man and material in the Kalinga war. In this war 150,000 soldiers from the side of Kalinga 
were taken as prisoners by Asoka and 100,000 were slain and many others got died out of 
injuries and epidemic after the war. The war brought miseries not only to those who took to arms 
but also to a large number of civil population. 
Annexation of Kalinga 
With the victory of Asoka in the Kalinga war, Kalinga was annexed to Magadhan empire and it 
constituted its fifth province. The other four provinces of the empire were Prachya, Uttarapatha, 
Avanti and Dakshinapatha having their capitals at Magadha, Takshasila, Ujjaini and Suvarnagiri 
 
respectively. Tosali was the capital of Kalinga and the centre of political activities for the 
Mauryan administration in Kalinga. Two separate Kalinga edicts of Asoka found at Dhauli and 
Jaugarh enumerate the pattern of Mauryan administration for the province of kalinga. 
Change from Chandasoka to Dharmasoka 
The horror of the Kalinga war changed the mind of Asoka. In Rock Edict XIII, Asoka expresses- 
"In conquering indeed an unconquered country (Kalinga), the slaying, death, deporting that occur 
there are considered extremely painful and serious by the Devanampiya" This war brought about 
a great transformation in the heart of Asoka. He was changed from Chandasoka to Dharmasoka 
with a vow to conquer mankind by conquering the heart of the people and not-to win over them 
by war.  
Acceptance of Buddhism after Kalinga war 
The Kalinga War had brought deep feeling or remorse in the mind of Asoka. It drew himself 
close towards Buddhism. After Kalinga War, he was converted to Buddhism by Upagupta, a 
Buddhist monk or Nigrodha, the seven year old son of Asoka's elder brother Sumana whom he 
had killed or Mogaliputtatissa, the president of the Third Buddhist Council. Whatever the fact 
might be, Asoka accepted Buddhism after the Kalinga war.  
Spread of Buddhism in India and outside countries 
The transformation of Asoka helped in the spread of Buddhism. Buddhism, which was confined 
to the middle of the Gangetic Valley in Pre-Asokan period, suddenly became an all-India 
religion within a decade of his conversion. Not only in India, Buddhism also spread to different 
parts of the world. He sent Mahendra and Sanghamitra, his son and daughter respectively to 
Ceylon, Sana and Uttara to Suvarnabhumi (Burma) and further, he maintained friendly relation 
with Kings of Greece, Syria, Egypt, Macedonia and Cryne by sending missions of peace. Thus, 
Asoka, being converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War, was instrumental for the spread of 
Buddhism from Greece to Burma and from the Himalayas to the Ceylon.  
Paternal attitude towards his subjects 
 Asoka adopted a paternalistic attitude towards his subjects after the Kalinga War. In separate 
Kalinga Edicts (Dhauli and Jaugad) Asoka expresses himself as such . "All men are my children 
and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness both in this 
world and the next, the same I do desire for all men...” This attitude made him a completely 
benevolent ruler. 
 
Growth of art, architecture and literature 
 An important aspect of the Kalinga War was that it led to the growth of art, architecture and 
literature unprecedented in the land. Engravement in the edicts, erection of stupas etc. made the 
Mauryan art unique in the annals of ancient Indian history. The Pali language which Asoka used 
in his edicts brought cultural unification of India popular among his subjects  
Appointment of Viceroy and Ministers 
As the Kalingans had exhibited their violent protest against the Mouryan authority in the Kalinga 
war, Asoka wanted to give them a healing touch by providing an administrator tinged with mercy 
and liberalism. Although, he appointed a prince of royal blood as Viceroy to look after the 
administration of Kalinga, he also devoted his heart and soul to the smooth running of 
administration in Kalinga. As per the administration gathered from separate RE I found from 
Dhauli, Asoka appointed a body of ministers to aid and advise the Kumara Viceroy of Kalinga 
and to check balance his administrative powers. 
Appointment of Dharma Mahamatras 
In other parts of his empire, Asoka had given authority to the Viceroys to appointed Dharma 
Mahamatras on triennial tours inside the empire to impart religious instruction to the people. In 
case of Kalinga, however, the Viceroy had no such authority. Asoka took keen interest in 
appointing the Dharma Mahamatras specially for Kalinga. This shows that emperor Asoka had 
his personal involvernent in the administration of Kalinga even though he had appointed Viceroy 
to look after the administration of Kalinga. 
Well organised bureaucracy 
Asoka appointed a well organised bureaucracy to assist the viceroy of Kalinga. The important 
officers during Asoka's time were the Mahamatras, Rajukas, Yuktas, Vachabhumikas, 
Antamahamatras, Ithijakamahamatras, Dharma Mahamatras etc. Antamahamatras were the 
ministers of the border provinces and the Mahamatras of Tosali and Samapa probably belonged 
to this cateogry. For Kalinga,  Dhamma Mahamatras were appointed by Asoka personally. They 
were employed to look after the spiritual and moral upliftment of people of this land. As the 
Rajukas were in charge of welfare of the  Janapadas and were competent enough with absolute 
power in matters of reward and punishment, they might have played a dominant role in the 
administration of Kalinga.