Ashoka the Great

by Keuning, Wytze

  ‘Sumana will surely subjugate the rebels.’

  ‘In that event the Prince will need a couple of Brahmins with him,’ commented Subhadrangi sharply, ‘to keep him enlightened about the gods’ wishes.’

  ‘Are there no Nagas3 and Dasyus4, Subhadrangi?’ scoffed Hara. ‘I fear that Prince Sumana will not survive.’

  ‘We know, Subhadrangi, that you prefer another to deputise for His Grace. And Hara remains loyal in echoing your wishes. But Sumana is the eldest son, the Crown Prince. Even Varuna cannot change that.’

  With a haughty gesture, Gopali rose and left the room. Only then did the storm of remarks over Sumana break loose. The Maharajah could just as well have Sumana remain in the capital, as long as his gurus were sent in his place. They would do well to send the ten fairest court dancers with him, else he may stay behind with the Kosalis’ daughters, the finest of India’s women.

  ‘It would be better if the Maharajah were to send Ashoka,’ Hara, Bindusara’s youngest wife, mused aloud.

  ‘Then the rebels will take to their heels straightaway,’ sneered Jalini. She was Bindusara’s most beautiful yet least respected Rani.

  Ashoka watched her silently. Jalini blushed and looked away.

  ‘It would not be to your advantage either, Jalini, if Sumana were sent away,’ snapped Hara. It was whispered about in the women’s quarters that Sumana occasionally paid her nocturnal visits.

  In the Council Hall, Emperor Bindusara discussed the revolt with his ministers and advisors. Earlier, he had had the Purohita light the sacred fire and the prayers chanted. After the elaborate rituals were over, his astrologer opined that the revolt in Taxila appeared dangerous and only forceful action would save the situation.

  ‘Taxila is a turbulent city. It lies too close to Bactria and Iran. I fear the Macedonian’s successors are involved. What do you think, Aruni?’

  ‘Let them feel the mighty hand of the Mauryas, Your Grace!’

  The others agreed.

  ‘And who shall lead the army, Udra?’

  ‘Sumana is the eldest, Your Grace.’

  ‘Sumana is neither self-reliant nor brave.’

  ‘Older and wiser advisors could be sent along to lead him in wisdom and power.’

  ‘Who can command an army skilfully when he depends solely on his advisors?’

  ‘Sumana is the Crown Prince, Your Grace. It is his right to be chosen,’ volunteered Arada, a fanatical Brahmin.

  ‘The right of choosing the Crown Prince is mine and I shall determine who will be the Crown Prince, Arada,’ corrected Bindusara sharply. ‘And I think it is better that Subhadrangi’s eldest son takes on the leadership of the army.’

  ‘And if he succeeds, Your Grace? The victor and the vanquishing army stand in the Punjab, the victor who will not be the successor? That has happened before, O Maharajah. The Nandas have felt its weight.’5

  Bindusara shifted uneasily on his throne.

  ‘You forget, Arada that my father, Chandragupta, acted as an independent commander of his own army, and not at the behest of a ruling king.’

  ‘Still, even with a ruling Maharajah, an eager Prince, lucky in battle, can become dangerous. How did Ajatashatru6 become king?’

  The recollection of this patricide left a deep impression. Bindusara sat motionless on his throne and pondered.

  Khallataka, the most senior and highly respected minister, finally offered his counsel:

  ‘Sumana is the eldest Prince but he has not yet realised the importance of kingship. But why should he not make a good king? He highly respects the Vedas and our laws. Can we also say this of Ashoka?’

  ‘No one has said that he does not respect them. But a commander cannot subdue a revolt with Vedas and the laws.’

  ‘And an army, Your Grace!’

  ‘The question is whether Sumana can lead an army. He who goes west must be able to concentrate on the task at hand, and not be open to distractions of a personal nature. Although he is the eldest, Sumana has not yet shown any interest in the army, weapons or the practice thereof, nor in the horses, elephants, or governance of the empire!’

  ‘But only because he is your eldest son, O Emperor.’

  ‘I shall send whom I consider most suitable. The Arthashastra7 gives me alone the right to do so. Go and bring Sumana’s guru, Jala.’

  With great respect Vidu came up to the nobles.

  ‘Arise, Vidu. In your opinion, who must command the army to Taxila? You, better than anyone, know my eldest son.’

  ‘You ask my opinion, O Maharajah. Your Grace has instructed me to guide Prince Sumana. He is the Crown Prince. Kautilya says that the governing of the empire must be acknowledged as being the privilege of the eldest son. Prince Sumana then, must also become the commander of the army.’

  ‘I am as equally well versed in the Arthashastra as you, Vidu. Do you think he is capable of bringing this task to a successful end?’

  ‘There are a great many men in Maharajah Bindusara’s court who could advise the Prince.’

  ‘Advisors, advisors! I am not sending advisors to Taxila, but an army and a commander. And what if I send him without advisors?’

  ‘Then the responsibility lies with you, O Maharajah.’

  ‘Do the Mauryas rule and lead armies, or do the advisors?’

  ‘Sumana is wise enough to seek good advice.’

  ‘You prevaricate, Vidu. I do not ask about the skill of the advisors but that of my son. You may go. Bring Kullika, Jala.’

  Kullika entered quietly.

  ‘Who is to be commander, my Kullika?’

  ‘According to the laws of the land, the choice is entirely yours, O Maharajah. Your wisdom assures a sound decision.’

  ‘Tell me what you think.’

  ‘Forgive me, O Maharajah, for quoting Kautilya. The Arthashastra says: When he, who is the Maharajah, has a son who stands in the forefront, capable of showing courage, entrust to him the position of a commander or Crown Prince.’

  ‘Who is that son?’

  ‘Ashoka, O Maharajah.’

  ‘The Wild Prince?’

  ‘The wildness springs from his life’s energy, bubbling stronger than Rudra’s Maruts8 in the rainy season.’

  ‘Those kinds are often brought down by women,’ answered the Emperor, who guessed Kullika’s reply, but wanted his Council to hear.

  ‘Prince Ashoka has shown little interest in women till now. Perhaps, to his good, he does not easily attract women, whose love usually goes to beauty, combined with power and riches.’

  ‘Carousing, gaming?’

  ‘They do not tempt him.’

  ‘The hunt?’

  ‘Which great king did not cherish the hunt?’

  ‘And when he has brought Taxila to heel, and returns with the conquering army to Pataliputra, his ambition abundantly fed, like Jambudvipa after the rains, who will then restrain this unbridled Prince in his delusion?’

  ‘There is only one he honours with deep respect: the holy Maharajah.’

  Bindusara pondered deeply, no one stirred. Kullika respectfully remained silent.

  ‘Which of the counsellors will he need?’

  ‘None. He has the spirit of Shiva, the keenness of Ganesha9, and life will teach him wisdom to which he is as receptive as the blue lotus to Surya’s rays.’

  ‘Your favourable judgement is influenced by your love for your pupil, my Kullika.’

  ‘My love is only for the one who values wisdom higher than pleasures and mere form, O Maharajah.’

  ‘And if advisors are still sent along with him?’

  ‘He allows paths to be indicated, but will choose his own way.’

  ‘Is your testimony the truth? Free of personal desires?’

  ‘It is as true as an honest witness before the court of Brahma, as true as Prince Ashoka himself, O gracious Maharajah. Yet, it is not wholly free of personal desires, as I truly wish that he be chosen.’

  Bindusara tried to fathom his mind, observing him keenly.

/>   ‘You may go, Kullika.’

  ‘Allow me one remark, O Maharajah,’ began Khallataka. ‘Those who do not respect form will not respect the existing laws of the land which are part of it. Hence, Your Grace will be dependent on the whims of a passionate conqueror.’

  ‘In the other case, on the whims or … interests of the advisors,’ Bindusara’s answered sharply. Khallataka acquiesced. He knew only too well the Maharajah was right.

  ‘No word of this meeting is to be repeated. On this, I adjourn this council.’

  All prostrated before the Maharajah with reverence, in recognition of his supreme power. The Emperor rose from the ivory throne and left the room.

  ‘Have you let anyone come near, Jala?’

  ‘No one, not even a crow or a parrot, O Maharajah.’

  The Emperor retired to his private quarters. There he summoned Girika, the spy.

  ‘Well, Girika, what have you learned?’

  ‘The Prince and his guru walked along the road to Gaya and were caught in a storm; the Prince, dressed in the borrowed cloth of a Vaishya, witnessed a sacrificial ceremony held for the Vaishya Jivaka who has no sons, visited another Vaishya who played a viol, singing Veda texts and later disturbed the ceremony, which caused him to be bound in restraint by the other Vaishyas. The Prince cut the binding ropes and gave him back his freedom, saying he should no longer antagonise the Brahmins. Afterwards, the Prince and his guru spent the night in the house of the sacrificer and have today returned to Pataliputra. I passed by them several times. The guru spoke about the secret doctrine and the Upanishads.’

  ‘Where was the Prince during the storm?’

  ‘Atop the Barren Mountain.’

  ‘At the top?’

  ‘Yes, O Maharajah. The guru tried to persuade the Prince to move away from that dangerous place. Seemingly, he did not hear but looked straight ahead under pouring rain and crashing thunderclaps, motionless, until the storm subsided.’

  ‘Follow him closely today as well.’ After a pause, he instructed another: ‘Maskarin. What have you learned?’

  ‘Yesterday, Prince Sumana, in the company of other young ones, visited the hetaira, Prakriti. They played games and drank heavily. The Prince spent the night in Prakriti’s house, returning this morning to attend his guru’s lessons. At the moment he is enjoying himself in the park.’

  ‘Go to the park, Maskarin.’

  ‘Has Sayana arrived, Sari?’

  ‘Yes, O Maharajah. He awaits your orders.’

  ‘Let him enter.’

  After reverentially greeting the king, the sage was led to a seat of honour.

  ‘How is it in the hermitage, my Sayana?’

  ‘One day is like another, O Maharajah. We only need care about food for the soul. The prosperity of your vast kingdom eases our ability to acquire a simple meal. And the Vaishyas increase their well-being by giving alms to the hermits.’

  Bindusara described his dilemma to Sayana: Gopali’s or Subhadrangi’s son, who ought to command the army?

  ‘The gurus, whom I made bold to recommend to Your Majesty, were instructed to send the Princes to me, as you had requested. Sumana has come to me on several occasions. He is someone with no opinions of his own, except those regarding his personal pleasure. For the rest he willingly does, whatever the Brahmins of the Brahmin-court suggest. For the time being, Prince Ashoka does not wish to visit with me.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘According to Kullika, the Prince feels that he is not yet proficient enough to discuss with me the Vedas and the Arthashastra of Kautiliya, your Father’s great minister. Moreover, he has no desire, as Kullika already provides him all that he requires. Lastly, he has no time to spend in leisure at the hermitage. Kullika keeps me informed regularly of his work, and often asks my counsel.’

  ‘They call him the Wild Prince.’

  ‘I know this, O Maharajah. The young want to rage: be it in pleasure, or in strength, or in the irresistible craving for knowledge. Disastrous is the first, fortunate the second, blessed is he who chooses the last.’

  ‘You are aware of the danger that threatens all kings, even from their sons, my Sayana. Maharajah Ajatasatru killed his father; Ajatasatru’s son, in turn, killed him; and his son was guilty of the same crime.’

  ‘Sumana is not a threat to you but those who lead him are.’

  ‘And who will be victorious in the West?’

  ‘For Sumana, it would depend on his counsel.’

  ‘I do not wish to be dependent on that!’ He takes a pause and then asks: ‘Ashoka?’

  ‘It would be a drastic decision, O Maharajah. Kautiliya says that except upon the occurrence of a crisis, the privilege of being a ruler should be recognised as the eldest son’s.’

  ‘That crisis is at hand. But then, Kautiliya also says: If the king has a son who stands in the forefront, capable of showing courage: entrust to him the position of a commander or a Crown Prince.’

  ‘Ashoka is not loved by the Brahmins, Your Grace.’

  ‘Why not, my Sayana, why not?’

  ‘He acts on his own judgement and conviction.’

  ‘This, for me, is precisely the reason to appoint him, if I can be sure of his devotion. Find out about his feelings for me and to the emperorship. To you alone can I entrust this, my Sayana, you whom I revere as the wisest in my kingdom.’

  ‘Ashoka has never entered my hermitage, O Maharajah.’

  ‘It is a precondition if I am to appoint him.’

  ‘Obedience to the great Emperor of Magadha and the welfare of India compel me to accept your order, O Maharajah.’ Sayana departed.

  ‘Where have my ministers gone, Bhava?’

  ‘The Minister Udra has walked home with Arada. Minister Aruni took a bath. Kala returned to his own palace as did minister Khallataka.’

  ‘Who watches over Udra and Arada?’

  ‘Samudra, gracious Maharajah.’

  ‘In the first part of the night, I will want to know what they have discussed in Arada’s home.’

  Bindusara continued to receive various messengers. He then left for the ladies’ quarters after his trusted guards had thoroughly searched the rooms of the queens. After all, might is retained only if one is wisely cautious.

  Subhadrangi was very excited but took care to conceal it from Bindusara.

  ‘Who will you send to Taxila, my Lord, as the commander of the forces?’

  ‘I have not yet made a decision, my dear Subhadrangi. Do not allow affairs of the State to disturb your lovely repose.’

  ‘You know as well as I do what is at stake. Do you dare to entrust Gopali’s son with such an important task?’

  ‘We shall try to be wise in our choice.’

  ‘You have told me many times that Ashoka has all the qualities to be a king. Or, do you say this only to flatter me, Lord? You know better than I that Sumana lives to enjoy his pleasures. Were it not for your statesmanship, which binds your infinite kingdom as lianas do the jungle, your flowering kingdom would fall apart. Do you wish to hand it to someone who merely longs for women, drink and gambling, and has no will but that of his counsels? What will become of India, what of its many peoples?’

  ‘I am glad to hear, my Rani, that you, like me, have concern for the welfare of my kingdom. If this is your motivation, my unsurpassed queen, you will approve of my decision. Just wait. Where may I find your eldest son?’

  ‘He has gone to the army camp to develop his strength and powers by doing exercises. He relates health of mind to health of the body, O Maharajah. I thank Shiva that he bestowed upon you a son like Ashoka, spawned by your power from my body.’

  The Maharajah strode through the gallery of pillars and bid a slave to open the door of Gopali’s chamber. A maiden guard responsible for the royal’s safety stood in a niche. She bowed her head to the floor, indicating she had found everything in order. Gopali greeted the Maharajah with submissiveness, her face taut with tension, her eyes—filled with anticipation—looking up at the Em
peror.

  ‘Why do you look so dejected, my proud Rani?’

  ‘Lord, the ladies in the anthapura presume that my son will not command the forces.’

  ‘Women should not interfere in matters of governance.’

  ‘Is Sumana the Crown Prince, Lord?’

  ‘I appoint the Crown Prince, Gopali-of-the-lotus eyes. Sumana is my eldest son. If he possesses the qualities of a ruler, then he shall be Crown Prince. If he does not, I shall have to seek another.’

  ‘Subhadrangi’s ugly son already believes he can become the ruler of India,’ Gopali burst out angrily.

  ‘Is he ugly in appearance or ugly in his soul, my Gopali? The former would scare the women of my kingdom, the latter, me, the present ruler of India’s peoples.’

  ‘I do not know his soul, but they call him the ‘Wild Prince’. He is as reticent as the stone bull in Shiva’s temple. Sumana, with his fine beauty, has the dignity of a monarch; the gurus praise him for his obedience and his many offerings. He honours the Brahmins like they were gods. He recoils in horror from the Shudra. He fears his Father as the elephant fears the mahout. Can you ask more of a Crown Prince?’

  ‘Your judgement is strikingly right, my beautiful Rani. What does Jalini say of him?’

  Embarrassment overwhelmed Gopali. With anxious looks, she sought for what the eyes of the Maharajah would reveal to her.

  ‘Jalini may judge my son for herself, if you wish, O Maharajah.’

  ‘Where is your son at this moment, my Gopali?’

  ‘He is in the park enjoying the company of the Princesses and their friends, Lord,’ said the Rani with hesitation.

  ‘A Prince who lays claims to the throne must labour, my Gopali. He rests at night; did our son rest last night? During sleep, a Prince— and especially a Crown Prince—gathers his strength needed for the earnest tasks of the day.’

  Gopali turned her face away. What did the Maharajah know? What did he not know! She thought bitterly. She had tried carefully to conceal all that the Maharajah denounced in her son, but to no avail. He seemed to always know everything.

  ‘Even a Crown Prince is allowed some pleasures, O Lord.’

  ‘Those befitting the occasion, most assuredly! May Varuna bless you, my dear Rani. My work calls me once again.’