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Asoka is considered one of India's greatest rulers, and is known for his patronage of Buddhism, which greatly encouraged its spread beyond India. Details on his early life are scanty. He came to the throne of the Mauryan dynasty of India about 265 BC (or 273). He was involved in the successful conquests in the east of his realm in about the 8th year of his reign, but afterwards renounced military conquest and devoted himself to peaceful rule and the welfare of his subjects. |
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He became a Buddhist and with his patronage and encouragement, Budhism begat to spread within his realm. Asoka died about 238 BC (or 232), and with his death his empire disintegrated. |
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Asoka's life and works can be examined using methods of science, human body and psychology, anthropology, and institutions, |
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Sociology is important. There are connections with social structure and change and communities. The peoples of the world that are best connected with him includ principally Asiatic peoples, South Asia, and most particularly India. Asoka lived during the early classical period of history, specifically the 3rd century BC. |
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