Ashoka and his rule After the war of Kalinga, Ashoka did not fight any war and kept his empire intact not by military power but by adopting the policy of religious toleration and patronising multi-cultural trends in the society. Although he converted to Buddhism and enthusiastically preached dhamma, he never forced anyone to change his religion. Ashoka maintained integrity of all religions in his empire. One of the important aspects of his rule was that he founded new cities. As a result of this development, trade and commerce flourished. Construction of cities during Ashoka’s rule increased the value of professional classes of artisans in society as they were employed by the ruling elite to build their palaces and design their furniture, jewellery and costumes. City life gave rise to cultural activities, and music, dance, painting and sculpture became popular among the wealthy. Scholars were patronised by rulers as well as by the nobili