261 BCE
Battle of Kalinga
Historical Significance
One of the most consequential battles in world history — it led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and non-violence.
The Kalinga War was fought between the Maurya Empire under Ashoka and the state
of Kalinga (modern Odisha). The bloodshed was immense — ancient texts describe
100,000 killed and 150,000 deported. The horrors of war deeply moved Ashoka,
leading to his transformation and adoption of Dhamma (Buddhist principles).