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261 BC, Kalinga

After months of grueling war, the Kalinga war between Ashoka of the Mauryan
Empire and the region of Kalinga has finally ended, leaving the state in horrible ruins, and
the Mauryan Empire deemed victorious.

After Ashoka became the ruler of the Mauryan Empire, he decided to annex the state
of Kalinga and declared war upon the region, nearly a year ago, allegedly in order to gain
access to the trade relations Kalinga has with Southeast Asia. Despite Ashoka having
6,00,000 soldiers under his command, the people of Kalinga fought bravely in the battle to
protect their homeland. Soldiers on both sides fought fearlessly, risking their lives on the
battlefield and ensure the safety of their families and nations. However, war doesn’t come
without casualties: It is estimated that around 100,000 Kalinga civilians and 10,000 of
Ashoka’s warriors died during the brutal battle, and more bodies are still being found.
Moreover, The region faced huge property damage, with giant buildings and structures
crushed to dust and rubble, along with vegetation and nature being destroyed to fields of
emptiness, Kalinga truly faced huge losses during this war.

Arrangements are still being made to help provide aid to the state of Kalinga and its
bruised survivors after the war. On the other hand, despite winning this war, it is said that
Ashoka is greatly traumatized by the horrible impact of the battle which was caused due to
his leadership. Although nothing is yet certain, it is rumored that Ashoka will give up on his
violent ways and turn to a path of peace. The reaction on both sides just helped prove that
wars serve no purpose. There is just loss of life and property and it causes harm and
distress to everyone involved. If Ashoka did give up on violence, this war will surely go down
in Indian history for being the first war that caused so much sorrow and suffering to not
only the loser, but also the victor, that it made a ruler give up his sword. It is when we
realize the futility of violence and the invalidity of war when we, the people of this world,
will finally wake up.