What change occurred under Emperor Ashoka in terms of religious policy?

Under Emperor Ashoka's reign, a significant change in religious policy was his active promotion of Buddhism. Following his conversion to Buddhism after witnessing the devastating effects of war, particularly after the Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced and supported Buddhist principles. He sought to spread the teachings of Buddhism across his empire and beyond, emphasizing non-violence, compassion, and moral conduct. This promotion included sending missionaries to various regions, constructing stupas and monasteries, and issuing edicts that reflected Buddhist values.

This approach marked a transformative era for the Indian subcontinent, as Ashoka not only established Buddhism as a major religious force but also set a precedent for a ruler's involvement in spiritual matters, which was influential in the later development of Indian society. The other options do not accurately depict Ashoka's actions; he did not ban other religions, enforce Confucian practices (which are unrelated to his context), nor decentralize religious authority in a way that promoted fragmentation of Buddhism rather than its expansion.