How Do You Spell ASHOKA?

Pronunciation: [ɐʃˈə͡ʊkə] (IPA)

The word "ashoka" is spelled in English using the letters A-S-H-O-K-A. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) notation, the word is transcribed as /əˈʃoʊkə/. The first syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound /ə/ followed by the letter "sh" representing the voiceless postalveolar fricative /ʃ/. The letter "o" represents the sound /oʊ/ which is a diphthong that starts with an open-mid back rounded vowel sound and ends with a near-close near-back rounded vowel sound. The second syllable is pronounced as /kə/ with the letter "k" representing the voiceless velar plosive /k/.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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ASHOKA Meaning and Definition

  1. Ashoka, in historical and cultural contexts, refers to Emperor Ashoka, an influential ruler of the Maurya Empire in ancient India. Born around 304 BCE, Ashoka succeeded his father Bindusara and expanded his empire to encompass most of the Indian subcontinent, covering present-day India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    The term "Ashoka" can also be associated with the Ashoka Chakra, a prominent symbol in Indian art and national emblems. The Ashoka Chakra, depicted on the national flag of India, is a wheel with 24 spokes, representing the teachings of Emperor Ashoka as well as the cycle of life, death, and rebirth in Indian philosophy.

    Moreover, "Ashoka" is a Sanskrit word meaning "without sorrow" or "painless," which signifies Emperor Ashoka's transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate and peaceful ruler. Following the Kalinga War, which caused immense suffering and regret for Ashoka, he embraced Buddhism and espoused principles of non-violence, religious tolerance, and social welfare. Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism marked a significant turning point in the spread and promotion of the religion throughout India and beyond.

    The term "Ashoka" may also refer to various places, institutions, or monuments named after Emperor Ashoka. For instance, the Ashokan Edicts are a collection of inscriptions that Ashoka had carved on pillars and rocks across his empire to convey his principles and policies to his subjects.

Common Misspellings for ASHOKA

Etymology of ASHOKA

The word "Ashoka" originates from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, "Ashoka" (also spelled as "Aśoka" or "Asoka") translates to "without sorrow" or "painless". The term is a combination of two words: "a" meaning "without", and "śoka" meaning "sorrow" or "pain". This name became historically significant due to Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Maurya Empire in ancient India from approximately 268 BCE to 232 BCE. Emperor Ashoka played a vital role in spreading Buddhism across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, making "Ashoka" a recognizable name associated with his legacy.