Mauryan Timeline

Key milestones from Ashoka’s consecration to his final years — click an event to expand.

268 BCE Royal consecration
Ashoka’s royal consecration (regnal year 0, March).
261 BCE Kalinga War
Kalinga War (October–November).
261 BCE Becomes an Upasaka
Ashoka becomes an upasaka (December).
261 BCE Visit to the Sangha
Ashoka visits the Sangha (December).
260 BCE Zealous striving
Becomes zealous and ‘striving’ in Dhamma.
260 BCE Eight-month tour
Sets out on an eight-month tour (October).
258 BCE Visit to Bodh Gaya
11th regnal year — visits Bodh Gaya, the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
257 BCE Minor Rock Edict I
Minor Rock Edict I issued (June 257 BCE).
256 BCE Rock Edict series
13th regnal year — begins issuing the Rock Edict series.
256 BCE Barabar cave donation
Donates two caves of Barabar Hills to the Ajivikas.
255 BCE Dharma-mahamatras
14th regnal year — establishment of dharma-mahamatras.
254 BCE Stupa of Konakamana
15th regnal year — enlarged the stupa of Buddha Konakamana at Nigliva.
249 BCE Supriyeksa cave
20th regnal year — donates the Supriyeksa cave to the Ajivikas.
248 BCE Visit to Lumbini
21st regnal year — visits Lumbini and donates a stone fence; also visits Konakamana at Nigliva.
242 BCE Pillar Edicts I–VI
27th regnal year — exempts some animals from slaughter; Pillar Edicts I–VI.
241 BCE Pillar Edict VII
28th regnal year — Pillar Edict VII.
232 BCE Death of Ashoka
37th regnal year — death of Ashoka (estimate from later sources, not from the inscriptions).