The Victors and the Vanquished

Summary

This article examines the moral philosophy behind Emperor Ashoka’s policy of conquest by dharma, encapsulated in his famous 13th Rock Edict, which states that “the only conquest is by Dhamma, after which all are satisfied—those who were the victors and the vanquished alike.” The author begins by recounting the historical context of Ashoka’s reign in the 3rd century BCE. After witnessing the horrors of the Kalinga war, in which over 100,000 people were killed and many more displaced, Ashoka experienced a profound transformation. He renounced aggressive expansionism and embraced Buddhism, vowing to rule through righteousness rather than force. The article analyses the edicts’ assertion that true victory lies not in territorial gains but in winning the hearts of subjects and neighbours through compassion, ethical governance and religious tolerance. The author cites examples of Ashoka’s policies: the abolition of unnecessary hunting, the establishment of animal hospitals, the appointment of Dhamma‑mahamattas to disseminate ethical teachings, and the sending of envoys to Hellenistic kings to spread the message of non‑violence. The essay contrasts Ashoka’s ideal with the conventional view of war in Kshatriya ethics, which valorises conquest and heroism, and argues that his philosophy redefines power as the capacity to protect and nurture all beings. The author also examines how later texts such as Buddhist chronicles and Jain narratives reinterpret the Kalinga war to emphasise the theme of moral conquest. The phrase “victors and the vanquished” is analysed not as rhetorical flourish but as a radical statement: if rulers practise dhamma, there will be no losers, as both sides benefit from peace and justice. The article further explores the implications of this ideology for contemporary politics, comparing Ashoka’s approach with modern concepts of soft power and ethical leadership. It argues that Ashoka’s transformation demonstrates that acknowledging the suffering inflicted by one’s actions can lead to more humane policies. The article concludes by suggesting that the Kalinga edicts remain relevant as they challenge the assumption that dominance must be achieved through violence and encourage rulers to seek mutual wellbeing.