Reign of Ashoka the Great (c. 268–232 BCE)

1. Ashoka begins reign as Mauryan emperor

   Jan 1, 269 BCELabels: Ashoka, Mauryan Empire

   • Britannica
   • Britannica

2. Kalinga War fought in Ashoka’s early reign

   Jan 1, 261 BCELabels: Kalinga War, Ashoka

   • Britannica
   • Kalinga War

3. Kandahar bilingual edict issued in Greek and Aramaic

   Jan 1, 260 BCELabels: Kandahar Edict, Greek-Aramaic

   • Kandahar Edict
   • Minor Rock

4. Minor Rock Edicts begin in the 11th regnal year

   Jan 1, 258 BCELabels: Minor Rock, Brahmi

   • Minor Rock
   • Edicts

5. Barabar caves dedicated to Ajivikas (12th regnal year)

   Jan 1, 258 BCELabels: Barabar Caves, Ajivikas

   • Barabar
   • Ashoka

6. Major Rock Edicts promulgated around the 12th regnal year

   Jan 1, 257 BCELabels: Major Rock, Dhamma

   • Edicts
   • Khalsi

7. Major Rock Edict 13 names contemporary Hellenistic rulers

   Jan 1, 256 BCELabels: Rock Edict, Hellenistic kings

   • Edicts
   • Khalsi

8. Minor Pillar Edicts issued alongside early pillar program

   Jan 1, 256 BCELabels: Minor Pillar, Pillar program

   • Minor Pillar
   • Edicts

9. Barabar caves dedicated again (19th regnal year)

   Jan 1, 251 BCELabels: Barabar Caves, Ajivikas

   • Barabar

10. Mission to Sri Lanka led by Mahinda (traditional dating)

    Jan 1, 251 BCELabels: Mahinda mission, Sri Lanka

    • Britannica
    • Ashoka

11. Third Buddhist Council tradition placed in Ashoka’s reign

    Jan 1, 247 BCELabels: Third Buddhist, Theravada tradition

    • Britannica
    • Ashoka

12. Major Pillar Edicts issued late in Ashoka’s reign

    Jan 1, 237 BCELabels: Major Pillar, Pillar inscriptions

    • Major Pillar
    • Edicts

13. Death of Ashoka and end of his reign

    Jan 1, 232 BCELabels: Death of, Mauryan Empire

    • Britannica
    • Britannica