As ruler of the mauryan empire, ashoka sought to rule in accordance with

Ahimsa (nonviolence) is the right answer.

Ashoka Maurya was one of the most powerful kings of the Mauryan dynasty in the Indian subcontinent during the ancient times. He ruled between 273 to 232 B. C. He gave patronage and spread the faith known as Buddhism during his reign throughout India. It is only after his victory of Kalinga that he adopted a policy of "Conquest by Dharma". Although the King built his empire on the principles of Non-violence, but yet he obeyed the guidance sketched in the Arthashastra of Kautilya for the absolute king.