Emperor of the Mauryan Empire of India between 273 and 232 BC, a great advocate of Buddhism.
Perhaps the most important event in the history of Buddhism was the conversion of Ashoka Mauryan, the Indian emperor (269-232 B.C.). He chanced to meet Nigrodha, a Buddhist monk, who convinced him to devote his life to peace. Ashoka caused thousands of rock pillars to be erected, engraved with the teachings of Buddha. This was the first time Buddhist teachings were recorded.