Who among the following Mauryan rulers conquered Kalinga?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Ashoka.
• Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was the Mauryan emperor who conquered Kalinga.
• The Kalinga War took place around 261 BCE, during the eighth year of Ashoka's reign.
• The war was extremely brutal and caused massive loss of life and suffering, which deeply affected Ashoka.
• After the conquest, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and renounced violence, promoting peace and dharma (moral law) across his empire.
• The edicts of Ashoka, inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout his kingdom, provide evidence of his transformation and dedication to spreading Buddhist values and welfare for his subjects.