Author: Vincent A Smith
Publisher: LP Publications
Year: 1998/2002
Language: English
Pages: 278
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8175361425
Description
This book contains biography and the administration of prominent Indian emperor Asoka of the Maurya dynasty.
Asoka, a son of Bindusara and the third sovereign of the Maurya dynasty ascended the throne of Pataliputra (BC 273) and undertook the government of the Indian empire. He held the government for forty years.
The numerous inscriptions recorded by Asoka are the leading authority for the events of his reign and his administration.
Tradition probably is right in stating that Asoka followed the religion of the Brahmans in his early days, with a special devotion to Lord Siva. But the horrors of the Kalinga war made a deep impression on the heart of the victorious monarch. Once he had begun to devote himself to the love, protection and teaching of the Law of Piety or Dharma, he never again allowed himself to be tempted by ambition into an unprovoked war. The Kalinga conflict was his last war.
Asoka became a lay disciple under the Buddhist system immediately after the conquest of Kalinga. Then Asoka become both monk and monarch at the same time. The Mauryan empire, governed for about 90 years by Chandra Gupta, Bindusara and Asoka, crumbled like of a pack of cards when the strong and powerful third sovereign relinquished the throne.
Numerous particulars of the civil and ecclesiastical organizations of the empire for administrative purposes are revealed by closer examination of the Asoka inscriptions on rocks and monuments which have been graphically provided by the author.
Contents
CHAPTER
I.THE HISTORY OF ASOKA
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MAURYA PERIOD
II.EXTENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE EMPIRE
III.THE MONUMENTS
INSCRIBED PILLARS OF ASOKA
IV.THE ROCK EDICTS
V.THE PILLAR AND MISCELLANEOUS INSCRIPTIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
VI.THE CEYLONESE LEGEND OF ASOKA
VII.THE INDIAN LEGENDS OF ASOKA
Appendix
Index