Emperor Ashoka was one of the greatest kings in Indian history. He ruled a large part of India many years ago. At first, Ashoka wanted to become powerful. He fought many wars to make his kingdom bigger. The Kalinga war was the hardest and the saddest. After the war, Ashoka saw thousands of people hurt or crying. He felt sorry for the people who had lost their families and homes. That day, Ashoka decided he would never fight again.
Ashoka became a kind and peaceful ruler. He worked for the good of his people. He built long roads, deep wells, and clean hospitals so that people could travel safely, get water easily, and stay healthy. He planted trees along the roads to give shade to travelers. Ashoka also asked people to speak kindly and live in harmony.
He sent messages of peace and love across his land and even to other countries. The lion became the symbol of Ashoka’s rule, showing strength and fairness. Today, we can see Ashoka’s lion on Indian coins and buildings. People remember Ashoka for his wisdom, goodness, and care for all. His story teaches us to choose peace over war.
Questions
- Who was Ashoka?
- What did Ashoka want to do at the start of his rule?
- Which war changed Ashoka’s heart?
- What did Ashoka see after the Kalinga war?
- What did Ashoka decide after the war?
- Name two things Ashoka built for his people.
- Why did Ashoka plant trees along the roads?
- What did Ashoka ask people to do?
- Where can we see Ashoka’s lion today?
- What does Ashoka’s lion stand for?
- How did Ashoka share his messages of peace?
- Find synonyms from the passage:
a) kind b) wise c) sorry - Find opposites from the passage:
a) powerful b) peaceful c) good - Find rhyming words from the passage:
a) word that rhymes with war b) word that rhymes with land - What lesson does Ashoka’s story teach us?