Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler?

Transcription

1 Mini-Qh in World History Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? Step One: Hook Refer to the Step One teacher notes in the Mini-Q. Read the directions aloud. The purpose is to get students engaged, talking, and wanting to do the Mini-Q. Step Two: Background Essay Reler to the Step Two teacher notes in the Mini-Q. Students can write out answers to the BGE questions or the questions can simply be discussed. StepThree: Understanding the Question and Pre-Bucketing The task of recognizing and defining key words in the question is a crucial habit of mind. The second task of pre-bucketing based on clues in the question and in document titles is a huge categorization skill. Step Four: Document Analysis Do Document A with the whole class, modeling the kind of detail you expect in student answers to the Document Analysis questions. Homework: Analyze the remaining documents and answer the questions that follow. Step Four (continued): Discussion of Documents Option One:Working in pairs or threesomes, have students discuss the answers to the first set oi Document Analysis questions they did for homework. Using a different-colored pen than they used for homework, they may add to their answers. After five minutes, open the discussion of that document to the full class. Then proceed to the next document and repeat. Option Two: Proceed as above, but have a volunteer group lead each of the three or four different document discussions. Students at their desks may add to their notes, again rn a different pen. Step Five: Bucketing and Chicken Foot Have students complete the bucketing and chicken foot work page. This step will help students clarify their thesis and road map. Step Six: From Thesis to Essay Writing (For homework) Have students lill out the Outline Guide Sheet or write their multi-paragraph essay. Step Six (continued): Conduct an in-class Writing Workshop.

2 Asoka Mini-Q TEACHER DOCUMENT LIST (EV) There are seven documents in this Mini-Q. Students are provided with the same document list, but it is not divided into analytical categories or buckets. Students may develop categories that are different from these. Ruthless Conqueror Document A: The Battle of Kalinga (map and chart) Document B: Asoka's Strategy Document E: Rock Edict Xlll: Kalinga Enlightened Ruler: Document C: Asoka's Awakening Document D:The Edicts of Asoka (map) Document E: Rock Edict Xlll: Kalinga Document F: Asoka's Legacy O The DBQ Project

3 Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? Overview: The Indian leaderasoka ("a-sho-ka") ruled the Mauryan Empire over 2,000 years ago. He helped to spread one of the world's most popular religions and established reforms that still have great meaning for modern-day Indians. But his story also has a dark side. Working with limited information, historians have tried to present a fair picture of this great figure. This Mini-Q asks you to do the same. The Documents: Document A: The Battle of Kalinga (map and chart) Document B: Asoka's Strategy Document C: Asoka's Awakening Document D: The Edicts of Asoka (map) Document E: Rock Edict XIII: Kalinga Document F: Asoka's The DBO Prcject A Mini Document Based Question (Mini-Q) This page may be reproduced for classroom use

4 Step One: The Hook Teacher Note: The purpose of the Hook is to create some initial interest in the Mini-e. Have students work in pairs or small groups. We suggest reading the student directions aloud and perhaps doing Situation One as a class. After students have had five minutes or so to go over the other situations, reconvene as a whole class. At the end of the exercise, explain that the Asoka Mini-Q they are about to do raises the same kind of means-and-ends question. Discussion: ln discussing each situation, you may want to follow this line of questions: 1. What is the means? Situation One: Taking steroids 2. What is the ends? Situation One: Playing better 3. How could one argue that the means were justified? It not only helped me, but it helped my team and my city. 4. How could one argue that the means were unjustified? It was illegal and is unfair to other players, other teams, and other cities. Also, drug use destroys the integrity of the game. Did Barry Bonds hit those home runs, or was it the steroids? The DBO Project

5 Hook Exercise: Do the Ends Justify the Means? Directions: There is an important question that we can ask both about history and our personal behavior - Do the ends ever justify the means? That is, is it sometimes OK for actions to cause pain and suffering along the way if the final result - the end - is positive? Below are flve situations. With a partner, discuss each one and ask the question, do the ends in this situation justify the means? Be sure to identify the means and the ends in each situation before making your decision. Situation One: Three players on the Detroit Tigers baseball team secretly take steroid drugs to build more muscle mass. All three make the American League All-Star team and then lead the Tigers to a win in the World Series. The victory is a great boost for the struggling Detroit economy. The city is deliriously happy. (Fictional story) Situation TWo: The computer lab at Jones Commercial High School is vandalized, with damages totaling over $200,000. The principal has firm evidence that several students in the Tuesday 10th period class were responsible, but he doesn't know which ones. Since no one is talking, he suspends the entire class for the rest of the school year. Finally, feeling the pressure, two boys admit to the crime one week later. Situation Three: To improve air-travel security, the federal government orders full-body X-ray scans or full-body pat downs of all passengers passing through security in American airports, despite complaints that this represents an invasion ofprivacy. Situation Four: In order to control its fast-growing population, China establishes a one-child policy. Parents who produce more than one child must pay a special high tax. Population rates decline. Situation Five: A civil war is fought to hold a nation together and to end slavery. Six hundred thousand soldiers die. The nation does hold together and slavery is abolished. O The DBQ Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use 293

6 Step Two: Establishing the Context General!nstructions. Review the Timeline on page Pre-teach the bold-faced vocabulary.. Have students read the Background Essay or read it aloud.. Have students answer the Background Essay questions on page 297. Specif ic Considerations The main purpose of the Background Essay is to create a context for the Mini-Q exercise. Its job is to provide a sense of time, place and story, and to introduce important vocabulary and concepts. Doing this well gives all students a more equal chance to succeed with the Mini-Q. Time: Be sure students review the Timeline. Asoka ruled more than 2,200 years ago. By contrast, the United States is not quite 250 years old. Place: Look at the map on page 301 and compare it with a map of modern lndia. How is it different? Story: We suggest reading the Background Essay aloud. lt is good for students, even strong readers, to hear the words as they see them. For many, it is important to hear the cadence of the language, to experience pauses and emphasis. Use the Background Essay questions to review the text. Vocabulary and Concepts: You may want to pre-teach the six bold-faced terms in the essay. Our feeling about vocabulary is that some pre-teaching is good, but keep the word list short. When reading aloud, see how much students can get from context. O The OBO Project

7 Background Essay Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? The nation of India gained its independence from Great Britain in The Indian people were proud to regain self-rule and, like people in other nations, they wanted their own flag. They looked to their past - way back, over 2,000 years-to find a design that represented their culture and values. The symbol they chose was a wheel-shaped image called the Asoka Chakra. Its24 spokes stand for the hours in a day and the fact that life is ever-changing. The circular hub in the center represents the permanence of truth, the belief that while change is necessary, we must never lose touch with what is forever true. The chakra (below) was named for Asoka ("a-sho-ka"), who ruled most of what later became India from 268 BCE until his death in232 BCE. In many ways, he is the founding father of India. As a warrior, he conquered valuable territory that remains part of India today, and as a ruler, he introduced a form of government, based in Buddhist spiritual belief, that has been an important guide to the nation and even served as a model in other parts of the world. As prince of the Mauryan Empire - named after Chandragupta Maurya, Asoka's grandfather - Asoka reportedly led a lavish lifestyle, enjoying expensive horses and great feasts. But Asoka also had a serious side and was known to be very interested in nature and spiritual matters, which led to his study of Buddhism. Asoka became ruler of the Mauryan Empire when he was in his thirties and, within ten years, extended its territory by conquering the region of Kalinga on the southeast coast of India. After adding Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire, Asoka continued his spiritual transformation. He became a Buddhist and worked to spread the beliefs of that faith throughout the region, while still honoring the traditions of the Hindu majority in India. He sent missionaries to other lands and carved royal messages on numerous stone monuments that served as ancientera billboards across the empire (below). These edicts were written on pillars, boulders, and walls in different languages so that Asoka's subjects could understand the principles that guided his rule. The Mauryan Empire collapsed about 50 years after Asoka's death, but his impact on India remained powerful. It became even stronger in the 19th century, when many of the edicts were rediscovered and translated by modern scholars. Asoka's legacy also played a key role in India's fight for independence from British rule. To Indians then and now, Asoka was a giant - a warrior and a ruler beyond any in their history. There's no question that Asoka has helped to form India's sense of identity; the adoption of his symbol on the Indian flag 2,000 years after his death is evidence of that. But what about Asoka's own identity? This Mini-Q investigates a man about whom we know relatively little, and what we do know is written mostly in stone. We know from Asoka's own words that he was at times a troubled man. As he grew older he was apparently haunted by some of his early deeds as an emperor. Like so many who have made a large impact on the world, this story has both its dark and its light sides. Which side of Asoka should history remember? Examine the seven documents that follow and do your best to answer the question of this Mini-Q: Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened The DBQ Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use 295

8 Step Two: Establishing the Context (continued) Answers to Background Essay Questions 1. ln what year did Asoka assume control ol the Mauryan Empire? 268 BCE 2. What faith did Asoka adopt during most of the time he ruled? Buddhism 3. What caused Asoka's edicts to become a focus of study in the past 150 years? Their discovery and translation by modern scholars and lndia's more recent struggle for independence 4. Why can Asoka's history be described as'\ ritten in stone"? Because most of what we know about him and his rule comes from the edicts carved on pillars, rocks and walls across his empire. 5. Define these terms: chakra: From the ancient lndian language, Sanskrit, meaning "wheel" or'turning" Buddhist: A lollower ol Buddhism, an ancient religion started in lndia that emphasizes kindness, good deeds and moderation translormation: The process of changing in appearance, personality or character missionaries: People who travel to other countries or areas to spread religious ideas edicts: Decrees or commands given by people in positions of authority legacy: Something that's handed down from the past, in this case, Asoka's philosophies

9 Background Essay Questions 1. In what year did Asoka assume control of the Mauryan Empire? 2. What faith did Asoka adopt during most of the time he ruled? 3. What caused Asoka's edicts to become a focus of study in the past 150 years? 4. Why can Asoka's history be described as "written in stone"? 5. Deflne these terms: chakra Buddhist transformation missionaries edicts legacy BCE - The life of Buddha 321 BCE - Chandragupta Maurya, Asoka's grandfather, establishes the Mauryan Empire. 268 BCE - Asoka takes leadership of the Mauryan Empire. c.261bce - Asoka conquers Kalinga.,^ 1947 CE - 232BCE - Asoka dies. 185 BCE - The Mauryan Empire collapses. India becomes an independent The DBQ Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use 297

10 Three: Understandi the Question and Understanding the Question Answers to student questions: 1. What is the analytical question asked by this Mini-e? Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? 2. What terms in the question need to be defined? possibly "ruthless" and "enlightened" 3. Rewrite the question in your own words. Asoka: Brutal Conqueror or Spiritually Wise Ruler? Pre-Bucketing Teacher Note: As students suggest their bucket labels, draw bucket sets on the board. At this stage, students are simply looking for generic labels that provide a framework for organizing the essay. Ruthless Conqueror Enlightened Ruler Reason #1 Ruthless Conqueror/ Enlightened Ruler Reason #2 Ruthless Conqueror/ Enlightened Ruler Reason #3 Ruthless Conqueror/ Enlightened Ruler 2011 The OBO Poecl

11 Understanding the Question and Pre-Bucketing Understanding the Question l. What is the analytical question asked by this Mini-Q? 2. What terms in the question need to be defined? 3. Rewrite the question in your own words. Pre-Bucketing Directions: Using any clues from the Mini-Q question and the document titles on the cover page, think of possible analytical categories and label the buckets. O 2011 Ths DBQ Proi cl This page may be reproduced for classroom use 299

12 qlgp Four: Document Analysis Document A: The Battle of Kalinga (map and chart) Content Notes:. The region known as Kalinga during the time of Asoka is now in the lndian state of Orissa. lt is rich in natural resources and boasts a long coastline. Despite Asoka's conquest of the area and that event's relation to his Buddhism, Orissa's population today is almost entirely Hindu.. The origins of the Battle of Kalinga are often disputed, but many historians suspect that the vasily weaker Kalingans put up an unexpectedly strong resistance to the invading forces, which may help explain the extremely high number of casualties.. At the time of the battle, the Kalingans had recenily gained independence from a different empire, and their ancient warriors are often remembered for their bravery.. Much of the Mauryan Empire's territory was acquired during the expansionist period led by Asoka's father, King Bindusara, who had succeeded Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. Teaching Tips:. Review the map with students and examine where Kalinga and Sri Lanka are in relation to the Mauryan Empire. Also note the empire's relation to modern political boundaries.. Discuss the Document Analysis questions: 1. When did Asoka invade Kalinga? How many Kalingans died as a result of his conquest? He invaded around 261 BCE and 200,000 Kalingans died as a result. 2. What is a geographic advantage Asoka's forces had against the Kalingans? Kalinga was surrounded on three sides by land controlled by Asoka and pinned in on the fourth side by the Bay of Bengal. 3. Why might so many Kalingans have died of battle-related causes? Kalinga was probably torn apart by fighting, so food would be hard to get and diseases would quickly spread. 4. How does this document help you answer the question, "Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler?" It shows that he killed or deported 350,000 people just to take over land. lt seems that he should be remembered as a ruthless conqueror Tha OBO Project

13 Document A Source: Map created from various sources. Asoka's Empire Document Analysis 1. When did Asoka invade Kalinga? How many Kalingans died as a result of his conquest? 2.What is a geographic advantage Asoka's forces had against the Kalingans? 3. Why might so many Kalingans have died of battle-related causes? 4. How does this document help you answer the question, 'Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler?" O The OBQ Projsct This page may be reproduced for classroom use 301

14 Step Four: Document Analysis (continued) Document B: Asoka's Strategy Content Notes:. Romila Thapar is among the world's leading scholars ol lndian history. ln addition to writing several books and teaching in lndia and Great Britain, she also has served as a professor at Cornell University and the University ol Pennsylvania, and she holds an honorary degree lrom the University of Chicago.. Thapar's interpretation of Asoka's behavior lollowing the conquering of Kalinga (i.e., that he stopped conquering other lands because he ran out of obvious targets) runs somewhat counter lo that expressed by many other historians, such as Michael Wood in Document C, though each of these perspectives sulfers f rom a relative lack ol historical documentation f rom the time.. The reference to control of the Ganges River in the excerpt recalls the importance of securing river access for any civilization-ancient or modern-and reflects how Kalinga was the final piece of the puzzle for the prosperity of the Mauryan Empire. Teaching Tips:. Discuss the Document Analysis questions: 1. What was the name ol the empire ruled by Asoka? Mauryan 2. What river valley was an important part of Kalinga? Ganges 3. How did conquering Kalinga help the economy of Asoka's empire? Kalinga was on the Bay of Bengal and gave the Mauryan Empire important water routes lor trade and possibly even for naval purposes. 4. How does this document help you answer the question, 'Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler?" Answers will vary. One could argue that Asoka stopped invading places because neighboring people were either too weak to harm his empire, or because they were f riendly. lt shows that Asoka would kill to gain power and riches and would only stop if he no longer needed to fight to get what he wanled. However, the lact is that Asoka did stop his conquering ways after taking Kalinga. Romila Thapar's idea that Asoka only stopped because there was no one left to conquer is probably not accurate. The map in Documenl A shows that the southern tip of lndia and the large island of Sri Lanka was not in Asoka's hands. A truly ruthless conqueror would have headed south after Kalinga. Asoka was already beginning his enlightenment. 302 O The DBQ Prol cl

15 Document B Source: Romila Thapa r, Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas, Oxford University Press, The conquest of Kalinga was of importance both to the strategy and the economy of the Mauryan Empire... Ult stood in the way of the southern routes from the Ganges valley, and it was also a powerful maritime area, which if included within the empire would provide a convenient source of income. Kalinga was conquered in the ninth year of Asoka's reign. After this conquest, Asoka ceased to indulge in wars of aggression. This...was not because he completely forsook the idea of war as a means to an end, though he claims to have done so, but because with the conquest of Kalinga the consolidation of the empire was complete. Furthernore there was now no opposing power within the empire. The people on the frontier were generally too weak to consider a war against him... and the kingdoms of southern India were on very friendly terms with the Mauryan Empire, judging from the edicts. Document Analysis 1. What was the name of the empire ruled by Asoka? 2. What river valley was an important part of Kalinga? 3. How did conquering Kalinga help the economy of Asoka's empire? 4. How does this document help you answer the question, 'Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened 201'1 The DBQ Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use 303

16 Step Four: Document Analysis (continued) Document C: Asoka's Awakening Content Notes:. Michael Wood is a renowned British hlstorian and award-winning documentary filmmaker, who researched, wrote, and nafialed The Story ol tndia.. Some historians have concluded that Asoka was already a Buddhist before he invaded Kalinga and that his claim that the invasion led to his conversion was merely a ploy to gain,avor with lhose under his rule.. The Bodhi tree referenced in the documenl is very important in Buddhism. Bodhi trees, members of the fig family, are famed lor their heart-shaped leaves and for typically growing lor hundreds ol years. The term Bodhi means "enlightenment" and is featured in Buddhist iconography as sheltering Buddha as he found enlightenment.. Wood's analysis (i.e., that Asoka had a prolound change ol heart regarding violence because of what he had perpetrated in Kalinga) is in close alignment with the account presented by Asoka himselr. Other historians, such as Romila Thapar in Document B, have queslioned this assessment, though there is little historical documentation lo prove either side of the argument. Teaching Tips:. Discuss the Document Analysis questions: 1. Who did Asoka seek after conquering Kalinga? A teacher or a guru 2. ln what way did Asoka imitate the Buddha? They both sat under the Bodhi tree to find enlightenment. 3. According to the document, how did Asoka's ideas change after finding enlightenment? He was more dedicated to peace, fairness, and helping people. 4. How did Asoka feel after conquering Kalinga? Why did he feel that way? Asoka telt sad and ashamed because he caused and witnessed so much destruction. 5. What does Michael Wood mean when he says, "It wasl a rejection...ol a whole way of understanding history"? ln the past, leaders ol empires often attacked weaker peoples for plunder or power, without regard for the people they killed or conquered. After Kalinga, Asoka could have conquered more people, but instead sought to improve lhe lives of others and to enrich their societies. 6. How does this document help you answer the question, "Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler?" Sample answer: lt shows that Asoka learned hrs lesson lrom invading Kalinga and decided never again to be a violent person, but instead use his power for the public good. He should be remembered as a leader who admitted his mistakes and changed his behavior for the Ths DBCI Plolect

17 Document C Source: Historian Michael Wood, as quoted in the 2009 PBS documenlary The Story of lndia. When the war in Kalinga was over...and the people [were] conquered, he [Asoka] felt inside him a great crisis, a stirring for meaning and a remorse. Asoka goes on a pilgrimage seeking a guru, a teacher. And by the riverbank he met a Buddhist monk and the monk told him to sit beneath the Bodhi tree where the Buddha had found enlightenment. And there the power of ideas and the power of the state came together in a uniquely Indian way. [It was] a rejection of the path of violence [and] of a whole way of understanding history. While he was here, Asoka gave rich gifts to the poor. He consulted with local communities about proper governance, about good conduct...forming in his mind now was a political order the sort of which had never been conceived of before in the history of the world. Document Analysis 1. Who didasoka seek after conquering Kalinga? 2. In what way did Asoka imitate the Buddha? 3. According to the document, how did Asoka's ideas change after finding enlightenment? 4. How did Asoka feel after conquering Kalinga? Why did he feel that way? 5. What does Michael Wood mean when he says, "[It was] a rejection...of a whole way of understanding history"? 6. How does this document help you answer the question, 'Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler?" This page may be reproduced for classroom use

18 Four: Document Document D:The Edicts of Asoka Content Notes:. The edicts seem to have been placed at strategic locations around the kingdom in order to address key issues that were important in lhat area or to travelers using a particular path or road.. Historians have investigated the non-buddhist ideas of punishment by death and found strong correlations with policies and laws recorded during the relgn ol Asoka's predecessors.. The language used for each edict is variable. Most common was the use of Prakrit, a vernacular derivative of Sanskrit, which would not have been used by the ruling class but was more accessible to common people. Most ol the edicts are fairly concise and probably would have been easily understood by anyone who could read them or heard them spoken.. The map shows that the edicts were dispersed throughout modern lndia as well as parts of Pakistan and Nepal. Asoka supported the spreading of Buddhism through missionaries sent to these and other regions. Teaching Tips:. Discuss the Document Analysis questions: '1. How many major rock edicts did Asoka create? Which edict is most concerned wilh health and the environment? Rock Edict ll 3. Which edict deals with convicted murderers? Edict lv 4.Explain what Asoka means in Edict Xll when he says that by honoring the faiths ol others, a person exalts his own faith. Does this support the idea that Asoka was sincere about "promoting the welfare of the whole world"? He is saying, in essence, that all people's faiths are valid - that there is no one right way. By having an open mind like this, he is sincere about "promotrng the welfare of the whole world." 5. What does the map tell you about Asoka's level of commitment to his laws? Asoka's commitment is revealed by the number ol rocks and pillars, their widespread distribution and, as the first teacher note says, their placement in strategic positions for travelers to see. 6. How can you use this document to answer the question, "Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened rulen The edicts show that Asoka respected other people and was concerned wilh lheir welfare. The lact that he placed the edicts all around his empire shows that he wanted a better life for everyone, no matter where they lived. That deserves historical recognition Tho OBO Proj6cl

19 Document D Source: Excerpts from the edicts of Asoka, circa 250 BCE. Note: Asoka's 33 edicts are located throughout modern-day lndia, Nepal and Pakistan. Those engraved on pillars are known as "pillar edicts" and those on walls or boulders are "rock edictsl' Rock Edict ll Medicinal herbs whether useful to man or to beast, have been brought and planted wherever they did not grow; similarly, roots and fruit have been brought and planted wherever they did not grow. Along the roads wells have been dug and trees planted for the use of men and beasts. Pillar Edict lv I have decreed that prisoners who have been convicted and sentenced to death shall be granted a respite of three days when their relatives may appeal to the officials for the prisoners' lives. Rock Edict Vl... I consider that I must promote the welfare of the whole world, and hard work and the dispatch of business are the means of doing so. Indeed there is no better work than promoting the welfare of the whole world. And whatever may be my great deeds, I have done them in order to discharge my debt to all beings. Rock Edict Xll The faiths of others all deserve to be honored for one reason or another. By honoring them, one exalts one's own faith and at the same time performs a service to the faith of others. Document Analysis 1. How many major rock edicts did Asoka create? Source: Map created from various sources. 2. Which edict is most concerned with health and the environment? 3. Which edict deals with convicted murderers? 4. Explain what Asoka means in Edict XII when he says that by honoring the faiths of others, a person exalts his own faith. Does this support the idea that Asoka was sincere about "promoting the welfare of the whole world"? 5. What does the map tell you about Asoka's level of commitment to his laws? 6. How can you use this document to answer the question, 'Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened The DBO Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use 307

20 Step Four: Document Analysis (continueo) Document E: Rock Edict XIll Content Notes:. More than one historian has observed that the rock and pillar edicts of Asoka are the earliest hard evidence of Buddhism in lndia.. Rock Edict Xlll was engraved about eight years after Kalinga and is thought to be one of the first edicts. lt is virtually Asoka's announcement to his kingdom that he has converted to the Buddha's teachings.. Rock Edict Xlll goes into considerable detail about the people of all war-torn countries who suffer when conflict arises. Asoka reveals an unusual generosity for a ruler of his time by mentioning the pain that befalls fathers, mothers, relatives, servants, employees and "householders of different religionsj' TeachingTips:. Discuss the Document Analysis questions: 1. Who is "the Beloved of the Gods"? Asoka 2. According to Rock Edict Xlll, how does Asoka now feel about the conquering of Kalinga? He feels sorry. 3.Does Asoka believe he should be forgiven? Yes. He says that "one who does wrong should be forgiven as far as it is possible to forgive him." 4. What does Asoka say should be done with "the forest people"? He wants to be friends - but only if they do as he says. 5. How can you use this document to support the argument that Asoka was an enlightened ruler? Asoka seems truly sorry about what happened at Kalinga. He also wants to be friendly with the forest tribes and wishes 'that all beings should be unharmed, selfcontrolled, calm in mind, and gentle." Also, the fact that Asoka sent envoys as far as Egypt and Greece to promote Buddhism is striking. 6. How can you use this document to support the argument that Asoka was a ruthless conqueror? All of Asoka's friendly talk comes with a big threat! He'll be nice only if people do what he says, "lest they be killed." That's not enlightenment. That's tyranny hidden in warm and fuzzy language The DBQ Proisct

21 Document E Source: An excerpt from the edicts of Asoka, circa 250 BCE. Today if a hundredth or a thousandth part of those people who were killed or died or were deported when Kalinga was annexed were to suffer..., it would weigh heavily on the mind of the Beloved of the Gods [Asoka]. The Beloved of the Gods believes that one who does wrong should be forgiven as far as it is possible to forgive him. And the Beloved of the Gods [wishes friendshipl with the forest tribes of his empire, but he warns them that he has power even in his remorse and he asks them to repent, lest they be killed. Note: Rock Edict XIII makes these additional points: 1. Asoka's messengers have traveled as far as Syria, Greece, Egypt, and Sri Lanka, spreading Dharmax, the teachings of Buddha. 2. Asoka encourages his sons and great-grandsons to make any future conquests using Dharma, not military might. * In Pillar Edict II, Asoka describes Dharma as "little evil, much good, kindness, generosity, truthfulness, and purity." Historians believe Asoka was the first important ruler to promote Buddhism. Document Analysis 1. Who is "the Beloved of the Gods"? 2. According to Rock Edict XIII, how does Asoka now feel about the conquering of Kalinga? 3. Does Asoka believe he should be forgiven? 4. What does Asoka say should be done with "the forest people"? 5. How can you use this document to support the argument that Asoka was an enlightened ruler? 6. How can you use this document to support the argument that Asoka was a ruthless conqueror? O The DBQ Prcjsct This page may be reproduced for classroom use

22 Stgp Four: Document Analysis (conrnued) Document F: Asoka's Legacy Content Notes:. Nehru was a leading figure in the movement for lndian independence from Great Britain. During this time, he was a prot6g6 of the movement's leader, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi is famous for his belief in non-violence and woutd likewise have been attracted to Asoka.. Upon lndia's independence, Nehru became the nation's first prime minister. He served in that role from , when he died of complications from a stroke.. As prime minister, Nehru pursued policies consistent with Asoka's edicts, including socialwelfare and tolerance for religious and ethnic differences within lndia. Unlike Asoka, Nehru was a Hindu.. Nehru's only child, lndira Gandhi (no relation to Mahatma Gandhi), served as prime minister of lndia from and , when she was assassinated. Her son Rajiv Gandhi succeeded his mother and was prime minister of lndia from He was assassinated in ln popular culture, Nehru is famous for his distinctive head wear and his favored streamlined jacket, which became known as the "Nehru jacket" among fans of fashion. TeachingTips:. Discuss the Document Analysis questions: 1. What is Nehru's opinion of Asoka? He thinks he is a great man and among the greatest leaders ever. 2. How does Nehru describe Asoka's personality as a leader? Active, hard-working, focused on helping people 3. Why might Asoka be admired in parts of Asia outside lndia? Because he was a great leader who, in his later years, appears to have been guided by Buddhist principles, a concern for all living things, and a strong work ethic. 4. How does this document help you answer the question, "Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler?" The document shows that Asoka's ideas are appealing to thoughtful leaders who lived more than 2,000 years later. Obviously, he's been remembered as a great man, and rightfully so.

23 Document F Source: The late lndian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, as quoted in King Asoka and Buddhism: Historical and Literary Studies, edited by Anuradha Seneviratna, Buddhist Publication Society, 1994' Note: Nehru was a leading figure in lndia's independence movement and served as the country's first prime minister. Asoka's pillars of stone with their inscriptions would speak to me in their magnificent language and tell me of a man, who, though an emperor, was greater than any king or emperors. This astonishing ruler, beloved still in India and in many other parts of Asia, devoted himself to the spread of Buddha's teachings, to righteousness and goodwill, and to public works for the good of the people. He was no passive spectator of events, lost in contemplation and self-improvement. He labored hard at public business and declared he was ready for it. Document Analysis 1. What is Nehru's opinion of Asoka? 2. How does Nehru describe Asoka's personality as a leader? 3. Why might Asoka be admired in parts of Asia outside India? 4. How does this document help you answer the question, 'Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened The DBQ Projact This page may be reproduced for classroom use 311

24 Ste Five: Bucketi Task One: Bucketing C,D,E,F Reason #1 Ruthless Conqueror Killings in Kalinga Reason #2 Ruthless Conqueror Practical, Not Humane Reason #3 Ruthless Conqueror Threat to Forest People Reason #1 Enlightened Ruler Kindness to People Reason #2 Enlightened Ruler Spread Buddhism Reason #3 Enlightened Ruler Hero ol Modern lndia Task Two: Thesis Development and Road Map The Chicken Foot Asoka should be remembered as a ruthless conqueror because n" 0" he stopped conquering lor practical, not humane, reasons Asoka should be remembered as an enlightened ruler because he spread Buddhism O 2o11 The DBO Prole.l

25 Bucketing - Getting Ready to Write Bucketing Look over all the documents and organize them into your final buckets. Write labels under each bucket and place the letters of the documents in the buckets where they belong. A document may be placed in more than one bucket. Thesis Development and Road Map On the chicken foot below, write your thesis and your road map. Your thesis is always an opinion that answers the Mini-Q question. The road map is created from your bucket labels and lists the topic areas you will examine in order to prove your OBQ P/ojecl This page may be reproduced for classroom use

26 Step Six: From Thesis to Essay Writing Working Title: Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? Note: This example uses a four-paragraph,ormat. Students may choose to develop a f ive-paragraph format instead. Paragraph #1 Grabber: Asoka: A giant in the history of the giant country Background: Asoka ruled Mauryan Empire over 2,000 years ago. Ruled about 30 years. Stating the question with key terms defined: Was Asoka a merciless conqueror or a wise ruler who learned from his mistakes? Thesis and road map: Although his role in the killings in Kalinga cannot be ignored, Asoka's major contributions to fair and generous rule make his enlightened side most important to remember. Paragraph #2 Baby Thesis for bucket one: Early in his reign, Asoka was a ruthless conqueror. Evidence: supporling detail f rom documents with document citation. By his own admission, Asoka's Jorces were responsible for the deaths of about a quarter ol a million Kalingans and the deportation of about 100,000 more (Doc A, Doc E).. He invaded the neighboring and weaker region of Kalinga even though it was not a threat, but rather because it was valuable, and he only limited future violence because his empire was complete (Doc B).. Asoka's brutality in Kalinga was so bad that it led him to a personal crisis (Doc C). Argument: Anyone who invades a land and kills thousands of people who are not a threat is very brutal. Paragraph #3 Baby Thesis lor bucket two: Despite the ruthlessness that he showed in conquering Kalinga, Asoka's example as an enlightened ruler overshadows that brutaliry Evidence:. After Kalinga, Asoka realized that violence was wrong. Spiritual transformation (Doc C).. ln his edicts, Asoka reveals ways he tried to improve the lives of people in his empire, including honoring other faiths, showing mercy, and environmental improvement (Doc D, Doc E).. Even over 2,000 years after he died, Asoka's example of fair and helpful rule inspired lndian leaders in the newly independent nation of lndia (Doc F). Argument: Almost all of Asoka's rule was peaceful and successlully dedicated to improving lives. Paragraph #4 Conclusion: Restatement of main idea along with possible insight or wrinkle Asoka was a complex man who had great vision.though he's been dead for a long time, his positive effect on lndia and its over one billion people is still Tho DBO PoJecr

27 From Thesis to Essay Writing From Thesis to Essay Writing Working Title Paragraph #1 Grabber Background Stating the question with key terms deflned Thesis and road map Paragraph #2 Baby Thesis for bucket one Evidence: supporting detail from documents with document citation Argument: Paragraph #3 Baby Thesis for bucket two Evidence Argument Paragraph #4 Conclusion: Restatement of main idea along with possible insight or The DBQ Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use

28 Asoka Mini-Q Mini-Q Sample Essay: First Draft Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? The lndian rock! Asoka was an important ruler of lndia thousands of years ago because that's when he lived. But should history remember him as a ruthless leader or a nice ruler? The answer is yes in both directions. On the dark side, Asoka invaded a place called Kalinga and that battle ended up being really bloody. Hundreds of thousands of Kalingans died, maybe millions (Doc B). That was a sad event in history but you have to forget about it and move on. History never stops, thank goodness. But Asoka was also a nice ruler. He placed stones all across lndia that made the country more beautiful (Doc D). He also let the people out of jail when they committed a murder (Doc D). He also wrote on the rocks that he was really sad about Kalinga. History owes him for that one. The lndian leader was ruthless but he was also good. Even Nehru thought so and he was a friend of Ghandi. Mini-Q Sample Essay: Proficient Rewrite Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? The lndian leader Asoka ruled the Mauryan Empire about 2,000 years ago. As head of the empire, he invaded a neighboring land and killed lots of people, but he did not invade any place after that and became a kind ruler. That is how he should be remembered. There can be little argument that early in his reign, Asoka was a ruthless conqueror. He invaded Kalinga in a bloody battle that ended up killing over 200,000 Kalingans (Doc A). Asoka only invaded Kalinga because they were weak and taking it over would help make his empire very rich. Even though Asoka can be criticized for being ruthless, he was also a ruler who became very peaceful and tried to help people. After the Battle of Kalinga, he put up stone towers across lndia that showed how he was going to make a good government (Docs D, E). He became very spiritual, made the environment better, and respected people. When lndia became a country, they put Asoka's symbol on the flag to honor him and the prime minister talked about him with admiration (Background Essay, Doc F). It can be hard to judge a leader who did good things and bad things like Asoka, who killed people but later helped people. But Asoka was such a good head of his empire that he should be remembered as an enlightened DBO Projecl

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30 Mini-Q Sample Essay: High Proficiency Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? Asoka is a giant in the history of lndia who ruled the Mauryan Empire over 2,000 years ago. During more than 30 years as ruler, Asoka was involved in many important parts of lndian history. He invaded and took over the region of Kalinga in a bloody battle, but later set up a peaceful government, which he defined in many stone edicts he had placed around the empire. Being a ruthless conqueror and enlightened ruler are very different things, but Asoka could be described as both. But what should history emphasize? Although his role in the killings in Kalinga cannot be ignored, Asoka's major contributions to fair and generous rule make his enlightened side more important to remember. It must be said that, early in his reign, Asoka was a ruthless conqueror. Asoka himself admitted that his forces were responsible for the deaths of 200,000 Kalingans and the deportation of about 150,000 more (Doc A). One thing that made all that killing even worse was that it happened because Asoka simply wanted the land of Kalinga to become richer and more powerful. The people in Kalinga were not a threat to him or his empire (Doc B). A lot of people say that Asoka was so bothered by his brutality in Kalinga that he had a personal crisis (Doc C), but others think that he really only stopped invading other lands because his empire was complete after the Battle of Kalinga (Doc B). Whatever the reason, it's pretty obvious that anyone who invades a land and kills thousands of people who are not a threat is very ruthless. Despite this brutality, Asoka's example as an enlightened ruler overshadows the ruthlessness he showed in Kalinga, and this is how he should be remembered by history. Even today, countries invade other countries just because they can, but back then it was far more common. But while other leaders might not feel bad about what they did, after the Battle of Kalinga, Asoka realized that violence was wrong, so he sought to change his ways and he undenruent a spiritual transformation (Doc C). He then placed over 30 stone edicts across the empire, written in the language of the local people so they could understand them (Background Essay), that explained the ways that he tried to improve the lives of people in his empire. These edicts show how Asoka respected different religious faiths, showed mercy to the weak, and tried to protect and develop the environment in ways that could really help people (Docs D, E).Another piece of evidence that shows why Asoka should be remembered as an enlightened ruler is the way he was thought of by important people who helped lndia become an independent nation over 2,000 years after he died. The first prime minister of lndia, Jawarhalal Nehru, said that Asoka was the greatest ruler ever because he was so righteous and always tried to work for the good of the people (Doc F). The nation of lndia even put Asoka's symbol, the Asoka Chakra, in the middle of its flag, because they recognized what an important and wonderful leader he was (Background Essay). There is little question that Asoka was a complex man, and historians will long argue his strengths and weaknesses. However, there can be no argument that many lndians remember him fondly today as a leader who admitted his mistakes and worked hard to recreate an empire dedicated to the happiness and welfare of the people. The post-kalinga Asoka is a man the world could well use today.

31 Student Mini-Q Lined Paper This page may be reproduced for classroom use

32 Asoka Mini-Q TEACHER DOCUMENT LIST (CV) There are seven documents in this Mini-Q. Students are provided with the same document list, but it is not divided into analytical categories or buckets. Students may develop categories that are different from these. Ruthless Conqueror Document A: The Battle of Kalinga (map and chart) Document B: Asoka's Strategy Document E: Rock Edict Xlll: Kalinga Enlightened Ruler: Document C: Asoka's Awakening Document D: The Edicts of Asoka (map) Document E: Rock Edict Xlll: Kalinga Document F: Asoka's Legacy obq Protoct

33 Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? Overview: The Indian leaderasoka ("a-sho-ka") ruled the Mauryan Empire over 2,000 years ago. He helped to spread one of the world's most popular religions and established reforms that still have great meaning for modern-day Indians. But his story also has a dark side. Working with limited information, historians have tried to present a fair picture of this great figure. This Mini-Q asks you to do the same. The Documents: Document A: The Battle of Kalinga (map and chart) Document B: Asoka's Strategy Document C: Asoka's Awakening Document D: The Edicts of Asoka (map) Document E: Rock Edict XIII: Kalinga Document F: Asoka's Legacy

34 Teacher Note: The purpose of the Hook is to create some initial interest in the Mini-Q. Have students work in pairs or small groups. We suggest reading the student directions aloud and perhaps doing Situation One as a class. After students have had five minutes or so to go over the other situations, reconvene as a whole class. At the end of the exercise, explain that the Asoka Mini-Q they are about to do raises the same kind of means-and-ends question. Discussion: ln discussing each situation, you may want to follow this line of questions: 1. What is the means? Situation One: Taking steroids 2. What is the ends? Situation One: Playing better 3. How could one argue that the means were justified? It not only helped me, but it helped my team and my city. 4. How could one argue that the means were unjustified? It was illegal and is unfair to other players, other teams, and other cities. Also, drug use destroys the integrity of the game. Did Barry Bonds hit those home runs, or was it the steroids? The DBO Prcject

35 Hook Exercise: Do the Ends Justify the Means? Directions: There is an important question that we can ask both about history and our personal behavior - Do the ends ever justify the means? That is, is it sometimes OK for actions to cause pain and suffering along the way if the final result - the end - is positive? Below are f,ve situations. With a partner, discuss each one and ask the question, do the ends in this situation justify the means? Be sure to identify the means and the ends in each situation before making your decision. Situation One: Three players on the Detroit Tigers baseball team secretly take steroid drugs to build more muscle mass. All three make the American League All-Star team and then lead the Tigers to a win in the World Series. The victory is a great boost for the struggling Detroit economy. The city is deliriously happy. (Fictional story) Situation Tlvo: The computer lab at Jones Commercial High School is vandalized, with damages totaling over $200,000. The principal has firm evidence that several students in the Tuesday 10th period class were responsible, but he doesn't know which ones. Since no one is talking, he suspends the entire class for the rest of the school year. Finally, feeling the pressure, two boys admit to the crime one week later. Situation Three: To improve air-travel security, the federal government orders full-body X-ray scans or full-body pat downs of all passengers passing through security in American airports, despite complaints that this represents an invasion ofprivacy. Situation Four: In order to control its fast-growing population, China establishes a one-child policy. Parents who produce more than one child must pay a special high tax. Population rates decline. Situation Five: A civil war is fought to hold a nation together and to end slavery. Six hundred thousand soldiers die. The nation does hold together and slavery is abolished. O The DBQ Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use 323

36 Establishing the Context General lnstructions. Review the Timeline on page Pre-teach the bold-faced vocabulary.. Have students read the Background Essay or read it aloud. Specif ic Considerations The main purpose of the Background Essay is to create a context for the Mini-Q exercise. Its job is to provide a sense of time, place and story, and to introduce important vocabulary and concepts. Doing this well gives all students a more equal chance to succeed with the Mini-Q. Time: Be sure students review the Timeline. Asoka ruled more than 2,200 years ago. By contrast, the United States is not quite 250 years old. Place: Look at the map on page 327 and compare it with a map of modern lndia. How is it different? Story: We suggest reading the Background Essay aloud. lt is good for students, even strong readers, to hear the words as they see them. For many, it is important to hear the cadence of the language, to experience pauses and emphasis. Use the Background Essay questions to review the text. Vocabulary and Concepts: You may want to pre-teach the six bold-faced terms in the essay. Our feeling about vocabulary is that Some pre-teaching is good, but keep the word list short. When reading aloud, see how much students can get from context The DBQ Project

37 Background Essay Asoka: Ruthless Conqueror or Enlightened Ruler? The nation of India gained its independence from Great Britain in The Indian people were proud to regain self-rule and, like people in other nations, they wanted their own flag. They looked to their past - way back, over 2,000 years-to flnd a design that represented their culture and values. The symbol they chose was a wheel-shaped image called the Asoka Chakra. Its 24 spokes stand for the hours in a day and the fact that life is ever-changing. The circular hub in the center represents the permanence of truth, the belief that while change is necessary, we must never lose touch with what is forever true. The chakra (below) was named for Asoka ("a-sho-ka"), who ruled most of what later became India from 268 BCE until his death in232 BCE. In many ways, he is the founding father of India. As a warrior, he conquered valuable territory that remains part of India today, and as a ruler, he introduced a form of government, based in Buddhist spiritual belief, that has been an important guide to the nation and even served as a model in other parts of the world. As prince of the Mauryan Empire - named after Chandragupta Maurya, Asoka's grandfather - Asoka reportedly led a lavish lifestyle, enjoying expensive horses and great feasts. But Asoka also had a serious side and was known to be very interested in nature and spiritual matters, which led to his study of Buddhism. Asoka became ruler of the Mauryan Empire when he was in his thirties and, within ten years, extended its territory by conquering the region of Kalinga on the southeast coast of India. After adding Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire, Asoka continued his spiritual transformation. He became a Buddhist and worked to spread the beliefs of that faith throughout the region, while still honoring the traditions of the Hindu majority in India. He sent missionaries to other lands and carved royal messages on numerous stone monuments that served as ancientera billboards across the empire (below). These edicts were written on pillars, boulders, and walls in different languages so that Asoka's subjects could understand the principles that guided his rule. The Mauryan Empire collapsed about 50 years after Asoka's death, but his impact on India remained powerful. It became even stronger in the 19th century, when many of the edicts were rediscovered and translated by modern scholars. Asoka's legacy also played a key role in India's fight for independence from British rule. To Indians then and now, Asoka was a giant - a warrior and a ruler beyond any in their history. There's no question that Asoka has helped to form India's sense of identity; the adoption of his symbol on the Indian flag2,000 years after his death is evidence of that. But what about Asoka's own identity? This Mini-Q investigates a man about whom we know relatively little, and what we do know is written mostly in stone. We know fromasoka's own words that he was at times a troubled man. As he grew older he was apparently haunted by some of his early deeds as an emperor. Like so many who have made a large impact on the world, this story has both its dark and its light sides. Which side of Asoka should history remember? Examine the seven documents that follow and do your best to answer the question of this Mini-Q: Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened The DBQ Project This page may be reproduced for classroom use 325

38 Asoka Mini-Q Document A: The Battle of Kalinga (map and chart) Content Notes:.The region known as Kalinga during the time of Asoka is now in the lndian state ol Orissa. lt is rich in natural resources and boasts a long coastline. Despite Asoka's conquest of the area and that event's relation to his Buddhism, Orissa's population today is almost entirely Hindu.. The origins of the Battle ol Kalinga are often disputed, but many historians suspect that the vaslly weaker Kalingans put up an unexpectedly strong resistance to the invading lorces, which may help explain the extremely high number of casualties.. At the lime ol the battle, the Kalingans had recently gained independence from a ditferent empire, and their ancient warriors are often remembered for lheir bravery.. [Iuch of the Mauryan Empire's territory was acquired during the expansionist period led by Asoka's father, King Bindusara, who had succeeded Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. Teaching Tips:. Review the map wilh students and examine where Kalinga and Sri Lanka are in relation to the Mauryan Empire. Also note the empire's relalion to modern political boundaries.. Discuss the Document Analysis questions: 1. When did Asoka invade Kalinga? How many Kalingans died as a result of his conquest? He invaded around 261 BCE and 200,000 Kalingans died as a result. 2. What is a geographic advantage Asoka's forces had against the Kalingans? Kalinga was surrounded on three sides by land controlled by Asoka and pinned in on the fourth side by the Bay of Bengal. 3. Why might so many Kalingans have died of battle-related causes? Kalinga was probably torn apart by lighting, so lood would be hard to get and diseases would quickly spread. 4. How does this document help you answer the question, "Asoka: ruthless conqueror or enlightened ruler?" It shows that he killed or deported 350,000 people just to take over land. lt seems that he should be remembered as a ruthless OBO Proi ct

39 Document A Source: Map created from various sources. Asoka's Empire This page may be reproduced for classroom use