Explanation
A: Ashoka.
The Battle of Kalinga was fought by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The battle took place in 261 BCE in the state of Odisha in eastern India. Ashoka waged this war against the state of Kalinga in a bid to expand his empire. However, the scale of the battle and the enormous loss of life that resulted deeply affected Ashoka. He became remorseful and turned to Buddhism, renouncing violence and pledging to rule his empire with compassion and non-violence. This transformation is considered a turning point in Indian history, and Ashoka is widely regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.
