How Does Ashoka Use Soft Power

The Mauryan Empire leaders maintained legitimacy by using Soft Power, because of their influence on other empires and their people. They influenced other empires to support the people who suffer in their empire and to maintain a peaceful land where no one gets harmed and the crime rates are minimal. Amongst the many kings that employed Soft Power in their leadership, ChandraGupta and Ashoka employed Soft Power the best in the empire. ChandraGupta was the first leader in the empire and imposed laws that employed both hard power and soft power. Ashoka was the leader that slaughtered 250,000 men in war at Kalinga and after the war felt guilty for his actions and converted to Buddhism. First of all, Ashoka had written an edict that states, “ that

At the same time he influences other empires to not got to war, so that the empire’s people remain happy and the king does not lose legitimacy. Ashoka is appreciated by all his people and influences others to maintain legitimacy without going to war. Second, ChandraGupta had employed soft power to maintain legitimacy by showing his affection to his people. ChandraGupta had written in the Arthasastra that any king that follows him, “shall provide orphans, the aged, the infirm, the afflicted, and the helpless with maintenance,”(ChandraGupta, Arthasastra Book II). ChandraGupta believed that the king should support his people when they are in need. This not only makes the people of his empire happy, but influences others to move to his empire to receive the same support. The people in other empires that are suffering will be motivated to follow him and support him for the good deeds he is doing for his people. The other kings will be influenced to adopt such a rule so that they can also maintain their empire. ChandraGupta then becomes a well known king to all and maintains his legitimacy as leader with support from all his