Causes behind introduction of Dhamma

The ideological conflict between the Vedic

brahamans and the followers of the newly-born
protestant creeds a large foreign population in
the North-West.
It would have been a difficult task for any ruler to
maintain unity in a empire composed of such
diverse elements.
Only alternatives available were either to enforce
control or to unify the population through a
common set of beliefs.
• He adopted the policy of dhamma to eliminate
social tensions and conflicts and to promote a
harmonious relationship between the diverse
elements of the vast Empire.

• Dhamma was neither a new religion nor a new

political philosophy. Rather, it was a way of life, a
code of conduct.
Causes for decline of Empire:
1. Weak rulers after Asoka
2. Partition of empire Dasaratha (East) and Kunala
(West)
3. Pro-Buddhist and policies of Asoka and pro-Jain
policies of his successors alienated the Brahmins.
4. Highly centralized administration