History & Civics
Answer
The impact of Ashoka embracing the policy of Dhammaghosha was:
- Ashoka abandoned the policy of 'conquest by force' (bherigosha) and ambition of 'victory in all directions' (Digvijay).
- He stopped hunting and eating meat and abandoned the life of luxury.
- The prisoners of war were used for agricultural work. It resulted in an increase in production and brought about economic prosperity in his empire.
- Ashoka started preaching Buddhism, sent missionaries to various parts of the world and sent his daughter, Sanghmitra and son, Mahindra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
- He followed Buddhist principles in his State policy like non-violence and dissaproval of empty rituals.
- He erected several pillars and edicts, gave donations to Viharas and ordered construction of Stupas to keep the relics of Buddha.
- There was decline in military preparedness and efficiency due to abandonment of wars.