"Ashoka" by Subhadra Sen Gupta. This book is published by Penguin India in 2009 and has 120 pages. This book is published under 'Puffin Lives' series.
James Prinsep, a British civil servant found rock inscriptions in various parts of India. No one knew the language and consequently the meaning. He worked relentlessly and deciphered the Pali script and decoded the edicts. This is the first written account of ancient India that reintroduced us to King Ashoka - The great, who was forgotten for 2000 years.
The fragments of information from various parts of India and Srilanka were then pieced together and out came the story of Ashoka.
Whereas this King was forgotten in his own land, a lot of records about him are found in Srilanka where his son, Mahendra, and daughter, Sanghamitra, went to propagate Buddhism. Buddhism became world religion because Ashoka took first steps to spread the word.
It's commendable that, contrary to what kings did world over, Ashoka converted to Buddhism but did not force his ministers and subjects to convert. He preached Dhamma, basically how to live a happy and peaceful life and love all. Author compares him to modern environmentalist as he respected all forms of life.
Last chapter is titled 'Life in Mauryan times' where author introduces us to social life, clothing, food, daily lives of people and nobles, city layout etc. Interesting!
The book appears a bit unorganized. It's neither a biography, nor a story and not even an essay. What exactly, was author's objective? A few more pages would have done no harm.
Why did I read this book? Ashoka - The Great.
What I didn't like? Lack of organization.
What did I like? Information.
Not a must read.
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