Category : Odisha History

Kalinga War

Kalinga war was fought between Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan King and Kalinga Empire in 261 BC. The war was fought in Dhauli Hills, on the banks of Daya River.

Causes of Kalinga War –

1. Political Cause –  Kalinga was bordering Magadha and according to Ashoka, Kalinga and southern kingdoms especially Cholas could attack Magadhan Supremacy.
2. Economic Cause – Kalinga monopolised the Overseas Trade, having trade relations with South-east Asian countries. So conquering Kalinga means conquering the sea trade. Also Kalinga connected Noth to the Deccan and deep South which also tempted Ashoka to annex Kalinga.
3. Legend of Karuvaki – Queen’s Edict of Allahabad mentioned about Queen Karuvaki of Kalinga and their son Tivara.

Impact of Kalinga War –

1. Transformation of Ashoka from Chandasoka (cruel) to Dharmasoka (Pious) and took the title of “Devanamapiya Piyadasi”.
2. Promotion of Ashoka’s Dhamma
3. Embrace of Buddhism – Buddhist Monk Upagupta influenced Ashoka to embrace Buddhism.
4. Ashoka shifted his policy from aggressive annexation to cultural conquest – shifting from Berighosha (drums of war ) to Dhammaghosha (sounds of Dhamma) , a peaceful proclamation.
5. Loss of Lives – Rock Edict XIII mentions about one hundred fifty thousand lives were lost.
6. Development of Art & Architecture.