The events that best explain the spread of Buddhism during Asoka’s reign include:
- Asoka took over Kalinga by force: The brutal conquest of Kalinga resulted in significant loss of life and suffering, which deeply affected Asoka.
- Asoka adopted Buddhism: After witnessing the destruction caused by war, Asoka converted to Buddhism, which promoted peace and non-violence.
- Asoka became a just and compassionate ruler: His policies reflected his Buddhist beliefs, emphasizing moral governance, compassion, and the welfare of his subjects.
These factors collectively contributed to the spread of Buddhism during his reign, as Asoka actively promoted the religion and its values throughout his empire and beyond.