Asoka
Asoka,(?–232 B.C.), emperor of India, 273–232 B.C. He inherited his empire from his father and by conquest extended his rule over most of what is now India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Troubled by the sufferings caused by his conquests, Asoka was converted to Buddhism. He made Buddhism the state religion and softened harsh laws enacted by his predecessors. Under his rule India prospered and art flourished.