Ashoka the Great, the ruler of ancient India�s largest kingdom, took the path of peace, tolerance, non-violence and compassion after a fierce battle in Kalinga. He now addressed his subjects as a father would his children, and erected pillars that spread his thoughts throughout the land in the people�s own language. He put their welfare above all else and worked towards that for the rest of his life. One of the most well-known symbols from India�s history, the Ashoka chakra, now adorns India�s national flag, and the lion capital from his pillars is our national emblem.