Kalinga war changed the life of king Ashoka. In which modern state of India is Kalinga located?

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Question

Kalinga war changed the life of king Ashoka. In which modern state of India is Kalinga located?

  1. A. Odisha (Correct answer)
  2. B. Rajasthan
  3. C. Punjab
  4. D. Haryana

Correct Answer

Option A — Odisha

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Odisha.

Key Points

  • Kalinga was an ancient kingdom on the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent, corresponding to the modern state of Odisha (and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh).
  • The Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE) was a brutal battle between Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom, resulting in massive loss of life.
  • The violence deeply affected Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism, non-violence (ahimsa), and Dhamma.
  • This transformation made the Kalinga War one of the most historically significant battles in Indian history.