What was the impact of the war on the internal and external policies of Asoka?

As an impact of the Kalinga war Asoka brought about certain changes in the existing administrative system He appointed two new types of officers, namely, the Rajukas and Dhamamahamatras. It was their duty to increase religiosity amongst people. Besides, for the benefit of men and animals trees were planted, ponds and wells were dug by the sides of roads.

For the spiritual uplift of the people Dharmajatras (i.e., holy trips) were instituted in lieu of Viharajatra (i.e., pleasure trips). He also inscribed inscriptions in Brahmi, Kharosti, Greek and Aramaic scripts which throw much light on his external and domestic policies through these inscriptions he gave wide publicity to the principles of Buddhism as also a universal code of social and religious behavior which he called the Dhamma.

The change in the attitude of Asoka also revealed itself in his external policies. He declared that the people living in the frontiers of the empire should not be afraid of him and should trust him. He gave up the policy of conquest, and instead initiated a policy of universal brotherhood.

Not only this, Asoka also sent embassies to Burma, Syria, Egypt, Macedonia, Epirus and other foreign countries Asoka sent his son (brother?) Mahendra to Ceylon for the purpose of spreading Buddhism there.

The Dhamma as expounded by Asoka was nothing but some moral virtues that could be followed by people irrespective of religion, caste and creed. In his Dhamma Asoka laid emphasis or the purity and strength of character and soul of the people.