History

Emperor Ashoka of Magadha invaded the kingdom of Kalinga 8 years after his ascension to the throne, as per the edict of Ashoka found in the vicinity of the stupa.

100,000 people died, and another 150,000 were taken captive by Ashoka at the end of the war.

Ashoka was so horrified with what he witnessed in that war that he swore never to launch another campaign of war, but to only rule for the purpose of establishing the law of peace and righteousness, and proceeded to do so for the next forty years.

Ashoka became a disciple of the Buddha after this campaign.

Ashoka sent amabassadors to many countries far and wide, including his own son to Ceylon or Sri Lanka where a large number of citizens are Buddhists.

Legends

According to popular legend the Daya River which meanders along the Dhauli hill turned red due to blood spilled on it from the battlefield.