Ashoka

Ashoka the Great, the ruler of ancient Indias largest kingdom, took the path of peace, tolerance, non-violence and compassion after a fierce battle in Kalinga. He now addressed his subjects as a father would his children, and erected pillars that spread his thoughts throughout the land in the peoples own language. He put their welfare above all else and worked towards that for the rest of his life. One of the most well-known symbols from Indias history, the Ashoka chakra, now adorns Indias national flag, and the lion capital from his pillars is our national emblem. In this lively, engrossing account of Ashokas life and the times, Subhadra Sen Gupta deftly brings him alive again from behind the swirling mists of time.