Ashoka He was a leader of the Mauryan Empire from 268 B.C.E. until he died in 232 B.C.E. Ashoka is in some ways a founding father of India. While Ashoka was in power he conquered most of India (BGE). The real question is: do the ends justify the means, was he ruthless or enlightened? Ashoka was an enlightened leader because he promoted Buddhist values, while still letting others practice their religions; he also fought many wars, but turned to a life of peace and nonviolence. The first reason Ashoka was an enlightened ruler is that he spread Buddhist values through edicts written on stone walls, boulders, and pillars. One of his edicts decrees that prisoners sentenced to death were granted a respite of three days when their relatives could
