Kalinga – the battle that changed Indian history, 100,000 deaths

The Battle of Kalinga not only caused terrible loss of life but also ushered in a period of benevolent change in the Maurya empire.

1. The last major war of Emperor Ashoka. The Battle of Kalinga was the last military campaign launched by Emperor Ashoka the Great, marking the turning point from a conqueror to a Buddhist ruler. Photo: Pinterest.

2. Causing terrible casualties. According to ancient records, about 100,000 people were killed, 150,000 were captured and hundreds of thousands were affected – making it one of the bloodiest battles in Indian history. Photo: Pinterest.

3. Kalinga was an independent and resilient kingdom. The Kalinga Kingdom (now in Odisha state) was not part of the Maurya Empire and was once a powerful maritime center, making Ashoka determined to conquer it to expand his control over the seas. Photo: Pinterest.

4. The battle shook Ashoka's conscience. Witnessing the bloodshed and the horrific destruction after the battle, Ashoka fell into a deep moral crisis, leading to a spiritual awakening. Photo: Pinterest.

5. Led to conversion to Buddhism. After the battle of Kalinga, Ashoka gave up war and officially converted to Buddhism, becoming one of the greatest protector kings in the history of this religion. Photo: Pinterest.

6. Recorded in the famous Edict Pillars. Information about the Battle of Kalinga and Ashoka's remorse were engraved on pillars and stelae across the empire, especially Pillar 13 with its emotional content. Photo: Pinterest.

7. It was a turning point in Maurya's foreign policy. After the battle, Ashoka pursued the policy of "Conquest by Dharma" (Dhamma-vijaya), renouncing violence and using compassion to consolidate power and spread influence. Photo: Pinterest.

8. The influence of the battle spread throughout Indian history. The Battle of Kalinga became a symbol of the transformation from conquest by force to governance by morality, deeply influencing later Indian philosophy of governance and culture. Photo: Pinterest.

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