How Was Ashoka as a Ruler

Ashoka was able to rule over the vast and diverse Mauryan empire through a centralized policy of dharma that favoured peace and tolerance and that administered public works and social welfare. He likewise patronized the spread of Buddhism and art throughout the empire.

Why was Ashoka called the great ruler?

He is called great because of his model rule based on peace and compassion that helped in unifying the culturally diverse empire under a centralised administration.

Was Ashoka a good or bad ruler?

According to the narrations of Ashokavadana, Emperor Ashoka, prior to his conversion to Buddhism, was a fierce and sadistic ruler, known as Ashoka the Fierce, or Chandashoka (Ashoka the Cruel), who sent his minions on a quest to find a vicious man to work as his official executioner.