IELTS Reading – History: Historical Figures 2

– Emperor Ashoka –

Emperor Ashoka, reigning from 268 to 232 BCE, stands as one of the most celebrated rulers in the annals of Indian history. Ascending the Mauryan throne after a fierce struggle for power, his early reign was characterized by brutal military conquests, especially the bloody Kalinga War, which resulted in the death and displacement of countless individuals.

However, the immense devastation and loss of life from this particular conflict sparked a profound transformation in Ashoka. Profoundly affected, he embraced Buddhism and its principles of non-violence and compassion. Ashoka then dedicated his life and empire to the spread of Dharma, a term encapsulating righteousness and moral order.

His reign witnessed the establishment of thousands of stupas, monuments, and edicts across the Indian subcontinent, promoting Buddhist teachings and ethical governance. These stone inscriptions, known as the ‘Edicts of Ashoka’, serve not only as testimonials of his commitment to peace and welfare but also as invaluable historical records. Ashoka’s legacy remains integral to India’s cultural heritage, symbolizing the potential for change and the power of moral leadership.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

Emperor Ashoka ascended the Mauryan ______ after a challenging power struggle.
The Kalinga War led to the ______ and relocation of many people.
This war triggered a significant ______ in Ashoka, leading him towards Buddhism.
He focused on spreading the teachings of ______, emphasizing ethical living and righteous conduct.
During his rule, he erected numerous ______, monuments, and inscriptions to disseminate Buddhist values.
The ‘Edicts of Ashoka’ not only highlight his commitment but also offer precious ______ records.

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

Emperor Ashoka, a prominent figure in Indian chronicles, took the Mauryan throne after intense political ______. Initially, his rule was marked by military aggression, notably the devastating Kalinga War. Yet, the sheer scale of this carnage catalyzed a deep ______ in him, leading to his adoption of Buddhism. Subsequently, he fervently propagated Dharma, endorsing moral and righteous living. Throughout his dominion, he commissioned the construction of countless stupas and inscribed ______, which today serve both as symbols of his dedication and critical historical ______. His enduring ______ underscores the essence of ethical governance and transformation.

Vocabulary Builder

Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.

Original word	Variants used
ascended	______________
dynasty	______________
displacement	______________
transformation	______________
edicts	______________
teachings	______________
legacy	______________
historical	______________