Ashoka serves as an inspiration for his remarkable transformation

Although Ashoka was one of the most powerful kings of the ancient world, his name was forgotten for generations. The Puranas (Indian ancient literature) mention him but do not provide any other information. The Brahmi script was deciphered by British scholar and orientalist James Prinsep in 1837, kicking off the rediscovery of Ashoka. Prinsep had originally linked the "Priyadasi" of the inscriptions he discovered to King Devanampiya Tissa of Ceylon. However, George Turnour unearthed an important Sri Lankan manuscript (the Dipavamsa, or "Island Chronicle") in 1837, which linked Piyadasi to Ashoka. Since then, Ashoka has earned a reputation as one of history's most interesting rulers.

The change of Ashoka from a tyrannical, ambitious, and brutal ruler to an Emperor who embraced Buddhism and actively pursued its nonviolent path is inspirational. His choice to abstain from fighting, his insistence on religious tolerance, and his peaceful attempts to establish Buddhism as a major international religion is still relevant and admired by many people. Ashoka has been a subject of popular culture in various artworks, novels, and films due to his unique place in history as an inspiring monarch who united his successful reign with idealism and philosophy. Among the prominent mentions are.