Tulisena

Tulisena, also known as Tulisena or Tulisenna, was a prominent figure in the history of the Kingdom of Kalinga, located in present-day Odisha, India. He is often associated with the famous Kalinga War, which took place in 261-260 BCE between the Mauryan Empire, led by Emperor Ashoka, and the Kingdom of Kalinga. Tulisena was the ruler of Kalinga at the time of the war. The conflict is notable for its scale and the subsequent impact on Ashoka, who is said to have been deeply affected by the violence and bloodshed, leading him to adopt Buddhism and renounce war as a means of governance. The war is often cited as a turning point in Ashoka's life and reign, marking a shift towards peace and non-violence. Tulisena's reign and the events surrounding the Kalinga War are significant in the study of ancient Indian history and the evolution of Ashoka's political and religious philosophy.