The Mauryan emperor Ashoka began his reign as an emperor. Ashoka was known to be a fierce and violent warrior before his conversion to Buddhism. He conquered Kalinga, which was an area, his ancestors had never conquered and he quickly rose to power after he put down several revolts across what is now modern-day India. After converting to Buddhism, he called on it to be made as a cultural and societal practice. Ashoka is still regarded today as one of the greatest Indian emperors of today.