Ashoka was the Third King of the Maurya Dynasty, who became the leader of the Ancient Indian Empire, from 273-232 BC, who ruled about 4...
Ashoka was the Third King of the Maurya Dynasty, who became the leader of the Ancient Indian Empire, from 273-232 BC, who ruled about 40 years. Ashoka was born in 304 BC, during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, who died in 298 BC, when Ashoka was six years old. Devi is King Ashoka's first wife is a Buddhist nurse and daughter of a merchant. Devi gave birth to Ashoka's children named Mahendra and Sanghamitra.
Ashoka is known as a king who is very concerned about the prosperity of his people, and devoutly religious, practicing Buddhist Dharma teachings. Therefore it is not surprising that many Buddhist historians consider him the second Sidharta Gautama. Indians generally know Ashoka as a virtuous and wise king, gentle and nurturing. However, behind all that, Ashoka also considered him a cruel king.
Next is King Ashoka's kindness and badness that we might be able to learn:
1. Named Ashoka, but the title is ‘Chanda Ashoka.’
A-Shoka means 'without suffering.' This name describes the right side of a king; that is, he does not want to hurt his people. Besides, he also called the title 'Devanampiya Piyadasi, ' which means 'Beloved of the Gods' and 'The Compassionate.'
However, he was also given the title ‘Chanda Ashoka, ’ which means Ashoka, who is merciless (cruel).’ This title was given after he killed all of his brothers, including the crown prince of Susima Maurya.
2. To Become King, Ashoka Kills 6 of His Brothers
To smooth his intention as king of Magadh, Ashoka first killed 6 of his brothers, including the eldest brother who became the crown prince. However, he still let Tishya, his youngest brother, stay alive. From this fact, he is considered a cruel king.
Not without a reason why Ashoka did not kill his youngest brother, Tishya. Because in the end, he made his brother as his representative called the Uparaja.
While his other brothers (who were not killed), were appointed as Aryaputra, namely as the Royal Guardians in several provinces of the Kingdom of Magadh, such as Ujjaini, Suvarnagiri, Tosali, and Taxila.
4. Never exiled by his father for two years
Ashoka's father, Bindusara, had exiled Ashoka for two years, or persuasion and pressure from his brothers. That was because they had seen the signs of Ashoka who wanted to be king. This is what made Ashoka finally killed some of his siblings. Well, kind of revenge to his brothers, whom he considered having removed him.
5. Devi is not a Chief Empress
Although Devi was the first wife, he was not made the Head of Peimaisuri, because he was not of noble descent. However, he made his third wife, Asandhimitra, an imperial princess as his Empress Chief. Besides that, Ashoka also did not allow Devi to set foot in his palace.
6. Ashoka Ruling for 40 Years
As the third king of the Maurya Dynasty, Ashoka is the longest in power, 40 years. The first king, Chandragupta Maurya, became king for 24 years, and the second king, Bindusara for 25 years. Ashoka's reign was regarded as Chakravartin, namely the king who had unlimited power. However, he maintained good relations with the Greeks, even though the Greeks were often Indian.
7. Protecting the People
Ashoka is a knitter of the teachings of devout Shiva. During his reign, he established several hospitals for humans and animals, for the welfare of his people. Also, he planted banyan trees along the road to shade from the hot sun, planted mango trees whose fruits were provided free of charge to the community, and built water sources and homes for travelers and animal mounts.
In Ashoka's view, all his people are his children. Therefore, he seeks to avoid violence and hurt fellow humans and animals.
Source: Google, Wikipedia
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