Asoka - The Buddhist Emperor of India

Asoka has been a popular figure. He has been the central character of many books, films and TV dramas. But they ranged from fiction to fantasy and came with a disclaimer that they didn't portray the historical facts accurately. So the real Asoka though a popular character in literature and films remained illusive.

This void has been filled by Vincent A. Smith's book Asoka – the Buddhist Emperor of India. I am yet to read a work on Asoka as scholarly as this book. The book is the result of the in depth study of monuments, edicts and inscriptions left by Asoka. For the first time I came to know that the real name of Asoka was Asokvardhan. He continued to be a ruler even after he accepted the Buddhist faith and strived hard to spread the word of Dhamma. Interestingly even during his tenure he couldn't ban the slaughter of animals completely, and the ban was restricted only to the holy days of the year.

The author opines that contrary to the popular belief Mahendra was Asoka's brother and not his son. From the name Sanghmitra, according to the author, it is highly unlikely that Asoka had a daughter by that name. Also he refutes the theory of Asoka having slain ninety-nine of his brothers to accede to the throne. The author narrates how modern day Patna stands on the edicts of Asoka, thereby making its excavation impossible.

This book is a must read. My only grievance is that the pictures of Asoka's edicts and inscriptions should have been incorporated in the book. Don't miss this book if you love history and arts.