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Question: Plz mention the reforms made by Ashoka!?
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Emperor Asoka's edicts tell of a supposed immense public works program!. He built thousands of Stupas and Viharas for Buddhist followers (the Asokavadana says 84,000 such monuments were built)!. The Stupas of Sanchi are world famous and the stupa named Sanchi Stupa 1 was built by Emperor Ashoka!. During the remaining portion of Ashoka's reign, he pursued an official policy of nonviolence or ahimsa!. The unnecessary slaughter or mutilation of animals was immediately abolished!. Wildlife became protected by the king's law against sport hunting and branding!. Limited hunting was permitted for consumption reasons but Ashoka also promoted the concept of vegetarianism!. Enormous resthouses were built through the empire to house travellers and pilgrims free of charge!. Ashoka also showed mercy to those imprisoned, allowing them outside one day each year!. He attempted to raise the professional ambition of the common man by building universities for study and water transit and irrigation systems for trade and agriculture!. He treated his subjects as equals regardless of their religion, politics and caste!. The weaker kingdoms surrounding his, which could so easily be overthrown, were instead made to be well-respected allies!.

He is acclaimed for constructing hospitals for animals and people alike, and renovating major roads throughout India!. However, there are historians who dispute the claim that Ashoka built any hospitals at all, and argue that it is based on a mistranslation, with references to 'rest houses' (way stations) being mistaken for hospitals!. The error is thought to have occurred because similar edicts and records talk of Ashoka importing medicinal supplies!. Dharmashoka also defined the main principles of dharma (dhamma in Pāli) as nonviolence, tolerance of all sects and opinions, obedience to parents, respect for the Brahmins and other religious teachers and priests, liberality towards friends, humane treatment of servants, and generosity towards all!. These principles suggest a general ethic of behavior to which no religious or social group could object!.

In the Maurya Empire, citizens of all religions and ethnic groups also had rights to freedom, tolerance, and equality!. The need for tolerance on an egalitarian basis can be found in the Edicts of Ashoka, which emphasize the importance of tolerance in public policy by the government!. The slaughter or capture of prisoners of war was also condemned by Ashoka!. Slavery was also non-existent in ancient India, if one considers Dalits to be free!.Www@QuestionHome@Com