Question

why did asoka convert to buddhism after the war with the kalinga empire?

he was affected greatly by the suffering he witnessed.
he wanted the caste system to have more power.
he rejected practices such as meditation.
he believed in animal sacrifice, which was not an aspect of hinduism.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of Ashoka's conversion

Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire waged a destructive war against the state of Kalinga around 261 BCE. The massive loss of life, displacement, and suffering caused by this military campaign deeply affected him.

Evaluate the given options

• He was affected greatly by the suffering he witnessed: This aligns directly with historical accounts of Ashoka's remorse over the Kalinga War, which led him to seek a path of non-violence (ahimsa) and convert to Buddhism.
• He wanted the caste system to have more power: Buddhism generally rejects the rigid Vedic caste system, and Ashoka did not seek to empower it.
• He rejected practices such as meditation: Buddhism embraces meditation; Ashoka did not convert to reject it.
• He believed in animal sacrifice: Ashoka's edicts actually promoted vegetarianism and restricted animal sacrifices, which contradicts this option.

Answer:

• He was affected greatly by the suffering he witnessed. (Correct answer)
• He wanted the caste system to have more power.
• He rejected practices such as meditation.
• He believed in animal sacrifice, which was not an aspect of Hinduism.