History of 16th September – The Kalinga War
Explore the history of 16th September, from the voyage of the Mayflower in 1620, the renaming of Shawmut to Boston in 1630, and the British capture of Capetown in 1795, to the abolition of slavery in French territories in 1848, and the feature story on the Kalinga War.
History of 16th September – has seen its fair share. Let’s kick things off in the year 1620, when ‘The Mayflower’ cast off from Plymouth, England, with 102 hopeful Pilgrims and around 30 crew, all bound for the New World – what we now call the United States of America. After bobbing about on the high seas for a good 10 weeks, they finally dropped anchor near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on the 21st of November. Unlike their Puritan counterparts, who were all for sprucing up the Church of England, these Pilgrims thought, “Right, we’re off!” and decided to break away entirely, forced into a bit of clandestine praying along the way.
Now, fast forward 10 years to 1630, and the Massachusetts village of Shawmut clearly thought a rebrand was in order and decided to change its name to Boston. Seems they were already getting into the spirit of reinvention over there.
But wait, we’re not done with the History of 16th September yet. In 1795, the Brits marched into Capetown, South Africa, and pinched it from the Dutch. That kicked off a whole new chapter in history.
Then we hop over to France with the history of 16th September, where on this very day in 1848, France decided to abolish slavery across all French territories. A day for freedom, if ever there was one.
As for keeping in touch these days, you’ve got WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, Facebook – take your pick. But back in 1858, they weren’t so spoilt for choice. It was on this day that the first overland mail shipment headed for California, which finally arrived in San Francisco on the 10th of October. The Butterfield Overland Mail – a plucky little stagecoach service – ran the show, delivering letters across the vast American frontier from Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, all the way to San Francisco.
And that brings us to the headline act from the history of the 16th of September – the infamous Kalinga War.
The Kalinga War: A Bloody Battle that Changed the Course of History
As I glance through the history of 16th September I find that it was this day when The Kalinga War started in the year 261 BCE. This was stands as one of the most devastating and significant conflicts in Indian history. This fierce battle between the mighty Maurya Empire, led by Emperor Ashoka, and the independent kingdom of Kalinga (present-day Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh), reshaped not only the subcontinent but also the mind and spirit of its victor, Ashoka the Great.
A War for Power and Peace
Kalinga was a prosperous and peaceful kingdom, known for its artistic and naval prowess. It boasted a unique blend of tribal and Brahmanical cultures, with flourishing trade routes stretching across Southeast Asia. However, its strategic location on the east coast and its skilled navy posed a perceived threat to the Maurya Empire. Kalinga’s control over the coastline of the Bay of Bengal could potentially disrupt communication between the Mauryan capital Pataliputra and its southern possessions. This strategic importance, combined with Ashoka’s ambition to consolidate and expand his empire, set the stage for a deadly confrontation.
The war was nothing short of catastrophic. It’s said that around 250,000 lives were lost, a staggering toll even by ancient standards. The battlefield was a grisly sight, and the rivers reportedly ran red with blood. Ashoka emerged victorious, but it was a victory that came at an unimaginable cost – one that would change the emperor forever.
The Turning Point: From Conquest to Compassion
While most wars in history are defined by the ambition and power of the victor, the Kalinga War is remembered for the profound transformation it sparked in Ashoka. After witnessing the carnage, Ashoka, once known for his cruelty and ruthlessness, was deeply remorseful. The bloodshed and destruction of Kalinga pierced his conscience. As he reflected on the war, he realised that his victory had been hollow, built on the suffering of hundreds of thousands. His remorse is immortalised in his Edicts, where he expresses deep regret for the pain he had caused.
In a move that surprised his contemporaries and stunned history, Ashoka renounced violence altogether. He embraced the teachings of Buddhism and committed his reign to the promotion of ahimsa (non-violence) and dharma-vijaya (victory through righteousness). From a king bent on conquest, Ashoka became a ruler focused on peace, compassion, and the welfare of his people. He swore never to wage war again, marking a monumental shift in both his personal philosophy and the direction of his empire.
The Aftermath: A Legacy of Peace
The Kalinga War wasn’t just a turning point for Ashoka; it heralded a new era for the Maurya Empire. Following the battle, the empire entered a period of remarkable peace and prosperity. Ashoka dedicated the remainder of his reign to governing through the principles of Dharma, promoting ethical behaviour, religious tolerance, and the well-being of his subjects.
Ashoka’s Edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks across his empire, bear witness to his commitment to these values. His famous Rock Edict No. 13 captures the depth of his remorse and his desire to atone for the suffering he had caused. These edicts have survived the centuries as a testament to his transformation and his message of peace, a rare occurrence in the annals of history where a ruler so thoroughly repented for his actions on the battlefield.
In the long run, Ashoka’s transformation had far-reaching consequences. His promotion of Buddhism played a key role in the spread of the religion across Asia, and his emphasis on moral governance inspired generations of rulers after him. The lessons of Kalinga, where a bloody war led to a deep commitment to non-violence, resonate to this day.
Conclusion: An Empire Reborn
In hindsight, the Kalinga War was the war to end all wars for Ashoka. It was the last military campaign of his reign, and the empire he built with blood was thereafter nurtured with compassion. The transformation of Ashoka from a ruthless conqueror to a beacon of peace stands as one of history’s most powerful stories of redemption.
In the grand scheme of things, the Kalinga War reminds us that even the darkest of battles can lead to enlightenment. It’s a tale where the victor, rather than celebrating his triumph, sought to undo the damage he had caused. Ashoka’s reign post-Kalinga, shaped by his newfound wisdom and commitment to peace, stands as a reminder that true power lies not in conquest, but in the ability to change one’s heart and lead with compassion.
With this we come to the end of this narrative on the history of 16th September. May peace prevail in the world.
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