One of the greatest rulers of India's history is Asoka. His greatest achievements were spreading Buddhism throughout his empire and beyond. He set up an ideal government for his people and conquered many lands, expanding his kingdom. As he turned to Buddhism, he emphasized Dharma (law of piety) and ahimsa (nonviolence). He realized he could not spread Buddhism all by himself and therefore appointed officers to help promote the teachings. These officers were called Dharma Mahamattas or "Officers of Righteousness". They were in charge of providing welfare and happiness among the servants and masters. Preventing wrongful doings and ensuring special consideration was also their duty. Furthermore, his soldiers were taught the golden rule- to behave to others the way you want them to behave to you, which is the basic law of life. .
There have been rocks and stone pillars were discovered in India, proving the existence of Asoka and are mainly concerned with moral principles Asoka recommended, his conversion to Buddhism, his personality and his success as a king. The Minor Edicts is a summary of Asoka's instruction of dharma, which talks about the purity of thoughts, kindness, truthfulness, reverence, and other good morals of life. His concept of Dharma provided his people with a common, compassionate way of life and curtailed war and suffering. Asoka believed in practicing what he preached, he did not fight wars and he didn't hunt. He was tolerant of all religions and allowed his people to worship freely. Dharma was very successful to the extent that the crime rate fell, peace and prosperity prevailed, and courtesy, piety and charity abound. .
Then on the other hand there were the ideals and practices of Shi Huangdi. He advocated a state, ruled by an enlightened ruler with absolute authority, in which law replaced morality. He believed in individual standards of morality should be replaced by what the ruler wants (considered right) and what the ruler does not want (considered wrong).
