He started doing a bunch of public works projects, digging of wells, hospitals, and public gardens, education, including for women. During his reign, you have the maximum extent of any empire that ever ruled over India, 50% larger than the modern-day country of India. There were roughly 50 million people under the Mauryan Empire under his rule. Now, eventually, after his death, the empire goes under weaker and weaker rulers, and by about 184, 185 BCE, it falls to another less significant dynasty in the whole scope of history. But just to appreciate what a big deal Ashoka is in the scope of history, here is a quote by H.G. Wells from his outline of history. Ashoka worked for the real needs of men.