6.5.6
Describe the growth of the Maurya empire and the political and moral achievements of the emperor Asoka.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/1/9/25190610/4616017.jpg)
The Maurya empire was ruled by Asoka the great and he was called that because, at first, he did warfare, but later on, he decided to follow the teachings of Buddha. He also decided to live life peacefully by law. He believed in Buddhism so he sent out missionaries for Buddhism, but he was still tolerant to the other religions. The missionaries that were sent, went all over Asia, so that is how they went to China, which you will read about in the next standard. He made hospitals and rest places for the homeless and the ones who don't have houses and the missionaries that went to Asia. Without Asoka, the Maurya empire wasn't in shape so when Asoka passed away, everything collapsed. Because of Asoka, other places believed in Buddhism.