Devaka kept silent. The ministers looked at the Maharajah, their faces grave with concern.
‘We thank the pious Devaka for the love and concern he has for this great empire and for his Maharajah. But in such an important issue as this one we cannot go by the testimony of one witness alone, even if that witness is as capable as Devaka. I sent Ashoka to Taxila after careful thought, because he is the most competent. I cannot fathom whether the honourable Devaka quite knows everything. Do you know why my son succeeded so easily? Are you aware of the reasons behind his decisions, honourable Devaka?’
‘No, mighty Emperor.’
‘I dispatched him to the West to subdue the rebellious subjects. Now that he has subdued them I can hardly disapprove of what he did. How large is his army now, honourable Devaka? Has it been supplemented by many tribes?’
‘Gracious Majesty, I had mentioned that Prince Ashoka could, if he wanted, have a large army.’
‘That is right, and what did Ashoka discuss with the Syrians?’
‘Naturally, that is not known to me, Great Maharajah.’
‘What do you know of the army here in Pataliputra, honourable Devaka? You were out in the West, were you not?’
‘Nothing, O Emperor, other than that it cares greatly for the warlike Prince.’
‘The pious Devaka will have to acknowledge that his concern is based on somewhat loose sand. You start, my Devaka. Suppose, I claimed, that it was the wish of the pious Devaka that Prince Ashoka’s mission should fail, so he may promote another as army commander and viceroy to Taxila, and I claimed further that because people said—shall we say something foolish, based on some loose sand—that he carried tales to Ashoka’s army camp to undermine the Prince’s influence. Let us say he released snakes along their path to put fear into the hearts of the soldiers, does all he can at the Royal court of Mathura to ensnare the Prince, then murders a king’s daughter just because she is unwilling to obey him, then attempts to incite the Taxilans to rise against the army commander who has been appointed by the Maharajah himself; and more of such of what I call nonsensical rumours. You understand, Devaka. Then, would you not, noble Brahmin, be vexed and rightly so, that I had taken measures based on such a shaky ground!’
Devaka had gone pale during this indictment.
‘Then it would have to be proved, righteous Maharajah!’
‘Your reasoning is clearer than even the brightness of Surya in the month of Jyeshtha. I, too, would like some witnesses to come forth, since I alone appointed my son to this onerous position.
The Maharajah commanded: ‘Jala, send Sokota in.’ As soon as Sokota entered the hall, the king asked: ‘Sokota, tell us what you know about the great flood that occurred along the Indus in the dry season. The honourable Devaka says that it was a punishment of the gods. First, swear the oath that you will tell only the truth.’
Sokota then gave a true account of the expedition to the Shygar, to which the Maharajah replied: ‘So, it is the honourable Devaka who had the mine-workers break up the massive dam of ice which had shifted into the bed of the river. When, upon the whole dam breaking up, the water broke through, it flooded into the Indus inundating everything in its way. That is the cause of the flood.’
‘Now, Sela … Sela, do the people of Panchanada support Ashoka?’
‘Every one of the peoples that submitted, O, Mighty Maharajah, had to take a solemn oath and swear, with their eyes directed to Pataliputra, allegiance not to the Prince but to Bindusara. Prince Ashoka never let himself be called anything other than the commander of the army. The ministers’ council of Taxila has asked Prince Ashoka to become viceroy of the Punjab. The Prince’s answer was that there was only one who had the power to make that decision: Maharajah Bindusara.’
‘Revata … Revata, what did Devaka do to warn the Taxilans about the army commander?’
‘Mighty Maharajah, Devaka harangued the people in the streets of Taxila that Prince Sumana should be the Crown Prince. He cautioned the people against the present governing council and urged that they ask for the Crown Prince as the viceroy, or else they would be punished by the Dasyus. Their sins lay not in their uprising but that they had not asked for Sumana to be the viceroy.’
‘Who is Prince Kala? Answer directly, my Revata, and keep nothing from me. Declare the truth before the highest court.’
‘Prince Kala was engaged to be married to Princess Madri of Mathura, O, Maharajah. This Brahmin admitted in my presence that he had Princess Madri killed because she refused his order to marry Prince Ashoka. Prince Kala retaliated by punishing Devaka but spared his life for he still lives. At present, Prince Kala is Prince Ashoka’s highly respected second-in-command, who reveres the Prince for his wise decisions and just measures.’
The Maharajah remained silent for a long time. An uneasy silence, with which he was happy, fell upon the assembly. No one dared to speak. Devaka, by then deathly pale, stood before the Maharajah. Not a muscle moved in his proud face. Finally, the Maharajah broke the silence.
‘We wish to thank the honourable Devaka for his great concern for our empire and his attempts to protect the West. However, we have established that he has made flawed judgements here and there and has needlessly meddled in affairs that are of concern to me alone. I warn him sternly not to oppose my decisions in the future. In the governance of the kingdom it is my decisions alone that count, honourable Devaka. You have no right to interfere. We will not ask you why you left for the West as an able man and returned as a despicable cripple. Show the honourable priest out of the palace, Jala.’
With rage in his heart, Devaka left the Council Hall. His hatred had rebounded on him because of the alertness of two Mauryas. Richika received his report with coldness.
‘Retire to the forest, Devaka. Your presence here is inimical to the Brahmin-court. Learn prudence and control from Prince Ashoka who does not betray himself even in agitation or zealousness.’
Devaka bowed humbly.
‘Make sure Ashoka returns from the West during the month of Jyeshtha, Lord; the road to Pataliputra is difficult and dangerous then.’
‘Well now, wise ministers … You see that I have unmasked a witness, who as far as I am concerned may regard the doing of his duty in good faith but is unreliable about what is happening in Taxila. The senior-most minister of my son in Taxila is among those who have travelled with my witnesses to the capital.’
Bindusara nodded. Vimalamitra was led in and introduced to the council.
‘Highly honoured and wise Vimalamitra, you are, Prince Ashoka informs us, his senior-most and wisest minister. We would like to hear from you how the rebellion in your beautiful city has been quelled in so short a time. ‘
In plain words Vimalamitra gave an account of everything that had happened in his city and thanked the Maharajah for sending such a wise commander.
‘Who sent you to Pataliputra, my revered Vimalamitra?’
‘The ministers’ council asked me as the most senior to travel to Pataliputra and your army commander permitted me to do so. I thought that I should be the one to represent them in the best interests of our city. The peoples of the Punjab are easily persuaded to rebel. Through their trade, they come more in contact with peoples farther out West and hence are not so directly under your exalted and wise governing,’ Vimalamitra explained.
‘What negotiations did the tributary ruler make with the Syrian king?’
‘There were no negotiations, though Virata had wanted it, Gracious Majesty. When the envoys came I sent them to Prince Ashoka. The Prince made it clear to them that there was no question of seeking help from the Syrians.’
‘And why has the wise Vimalamitra come to Pataliputra?’
‘We fear, O Mighty Emperor, that you will recall your army commander now that peace has been restored. This would be a serious setback for us. Prince Ashoka rules with wisdom and insight and not with his army. In a short time, he has established a government that is more just than there ever has been in this part o
f your empire. We believe that you would be the most blessed of Maharajahs for us, O, noble Emperor, if you were to appoint your son as the viceroy of the West. Then I assure you confidently that no rebellion would ever raise its head. Prince Ashoka has shown us what a holy and just Majesty is seated on the ivory throne in Pataliputra. If he became viceroy of Taxila, we would also enjoy the blessings of your rule, just as in Madhyadesa.’
It was clear that Vimalamitra’s words made an impression. With great interest the Emperor and the ministers asked questions. Each was convinced of his honesty and reliability. But when the dignified minister left, the Brahmin Khallataka spoke thus:
‘Great Maharajah, we are very pleased that you had in your wisdom sent the right person to be the commander. And yet I must point out the risk you take if you appoint Ashoka as the viceroy of Taxila. I believe in his wisdom and his capabilities. However, Prince Sumana is your eldest son! I still do not see why you should exclude him from the throne. Sumana has not yet given any proof of his capabilities. Neither has Prince Ashoka, O, wise Emperor, before you appointed him as the commander. Should one tempt the gods by doing other than what the shastras declare to be right? Our laws are sacred laws. Devaka has testified to his own incompetence but about one of his claims he was right. A force is growing in the West which is in the hands of only one person and it is not the Maharajah.’
‘My noble Khallataka, if I expect complete honesty and loyalty from anyone then it is from you, and that is why I will once again explain my decision about this matter: I refer to you the third prakarana, 3, of the Arthashastra which states: ‘If a king acts contrary to his duties and does not control his emotions then he will quickly run aground even though he possesses all the earth.’ In the same prakarana, 10, is stated: ‘These and many other kings who yielded to the range of the above mentioned six enemies1 and did not curb their emotions, went down along with their loved ones and empire.’ The question for me then is: Which of my two sons controls his emotions? Who gives in to the six enemies? Believe me, my dear Khallataka, that it is not an easy decision since it concerns the happiness of my house and Aryavarta. My soul is mine and I can make of it what I will but my country is merely mine for as long as I live, then I must give it up to the one I appoint as my successor. In the second prakarana it is stated: ‘A king who rules with sagacity, with the welfare of his subjects at heart, possesses the earth without rivalry and makes all creatures happy.’ So, when I appoint the next Maharajah, I have a very responsible decision to make for which I may have to endure the pains of hell but it may also be at the expense of my subjects’ fortune. The thirteenth prakarana of the Arthashastra requires from me: ‘If he has a son who prominently displays courage, entrust him with the position of army commander or Crown Prince’. That is what is required of me, O senior-most minister of my great and beautiful empire. A bad choice will not reflect on you but on me. Good fortune not of this generation but of the next depends on my choice and not on your wisdom. Believe me, my Khallataka, I shall choose such as my duty requires of me, such as my conscience whispers to my soul. I would prefer that the gods ruin me than that I ruin myself. I would rather have the Brahmin Ministers’ Council curse me than the people of India. Thus, I wish to make my own choice however much I value your wise advice …’
The council was silent …
Khallataka left the palace alone, deep in thought. He was torn between his respect for the Maharajah and the legacy of his class which, without a doubt, supported the legitimacy of Sumana’s claim. Every one of the Maharajah’s arguments assailed him, against which rose the intensity of his own convictions. Had the Maharajah not got himself entangled by maya? Was it not fear of his wild son that determined his decisions … thoughts about Ajatasatru and other patricides? But was not honouring the Shastras and respecting the Vedas the first and last obligation? Or, was it that He really did not trust the empire and its subjects to the lecherous Sumana?
Khallataka did not notice Prince Sumana returning from the park, where he and his friends had dallied with the daughters of ministers and highly placed palace officers. Sumana called out excitedly to the Minister who, deeply engrossed in his thoughts, did not look up. Then Sumana took off a gauntlet and on a reckless impulse, jestingly, threw it at the pondering minister, striking him exactly on the head. Khallataka was shocked but controlled himself. He stared at the Prince for some time. He could not understand how this young man dared to insult so deeply the senior-most minister of his father’s empire.
‘Forgive me, honourable Khallataka,’ called the Prince with a laugh. ‘I did not realise I could throw so well!’
‘I will praise the accuracy of your skilful eye and hand and forgive you your deed, Prince Sumana, but never the disposition that drove it …’
He then moved on. Laughing mockingly, Sumana disappeared into the palace.
But Khallataka pondered: ‘This is a Prince who does not even know how to maintain his dignity. Today, if he throws a gauntlet in the face of the senior-most minister, tomorrow he throws the laws in the faces of his subjects.’
Emperor Bindusara had lain down to rest. Many things left his mind deeply perturbed: the agitated ministers’ council; Vimalamitra’s words; Devaka’s deceit; and Khallataka’s stern warnings. Was he doing the rightful thing? Ashoka had fully lived up to his high expectations up till now. But now the insidious warning of the priest tossed about in his mind. Depend on … Ashoka? The Wild Ashoka! A growing force in his empire which he could not estimate but possibly bigger than his own! Sumana lacked the will and the capacity to use such a power. But not Ashoka: the whole West … the army of Pataliputra … Iran … What would prevent the zestful Prince from seizing the power that he longed for! Bimbisara-Ajatasatru-Udayibhada2 … BindusaraAshoka … Had he made the wrong choice? No, no! What needed to be done was to rectify the possibilities that were taking shape. Strange, that he was no longer sure of his son whom he himself had defended so strongly. In the ministers’ council he had been calm; here in his own bed, no longer. Every potential became unnaturally magnified in the deadly silence of his sleeping quarters. Could his murderers be in the palace now? The fear that he himself had created! He had not listened to the advice of the Brahmin ministers … Would it indeed be necessary to place watchful priests beside such fiery Princes, just as a mahout with the elephant? Was his confidence in his gifted son too great? And Sokota’s testimony? And Revata’s? And Vimalamitra’s? But the wild tribes of the Punjab … and the army of Pataliputra! His agitation only got worse; it was as if it was choking him. He got out of bed and by the weak light of a single lamp paced back and forth. This calmed him.
He summoned Çari to come.
‘Çari, let the wise Brahmin Sayana be alerted that I wish to see him tomorrow morning as early as possible.’ The Maharajah finally calmed down. If need be, Ashoka could return, then he would at least be free of the whip of the West. That is, if he would not come with a large army.
Sayana arrived early for the Maharajah’s summons.
‘The Prince will surely make a claim to the throne of Pataliputra but his father will never have to fear him. I have heard him speak of the Maharajah with great respect and Kullika knows him to the core and feels there are no risks of danger to the Maharajah.’
‘But what if the flush of easy victories in the entire Punjab has clouded his feelings and thoughts?’
Sayana shook his head. ‘Ashoka’s mind is too clear for that. His sudden temper sometimes leads him to do the unexpected but it is surprising how even then his mind works with clarity.’
‘Yet, it may be undesirable to create such a great risk within my empire, my Sayana. Were Sumana in the West, I would laugh. But Ashoka! He does not refrain from any deed if he … he …’
‘Sees the justice in it, O, Maharajah.’
‘Yes. My faith has momentarily been shaken, my honourable Sayana. Shiva shot a bolt of distrust into my heart. Devaka has twisted all the facts but one remark struck me and frightens me in spite o
f myself. Within my empire in the West is built up a great force and only one person, Ashoka, controls it. I do not want to depend on one person, not even if he is my most beloved son.’
Sayana knew the mighty ruler’s fear.
‘Can Ashoka be spared in Panchanada?’
‘All is peaceful there.’
‘Do you have a pressing reason, great Emperor, to call him back?’
‘Currently the most-senior minister from Taxila is in Pataliputra begging me to appoint Ashoka as viceroy so that the Punjab too can benefit from my just governing. Ashoka has arranged a good government there in a short time soon after the revolt was quelled.’
Sayana nodded.
‘Yes, yes, O, Maharajah, your choice was perfect! What will be your decision now so that Brahma’s benevolent smile may brighten your vast empire? Is there no new task with which you can challenge Ashoka’s prowess and preferably in a less dangerous place than Taxila that could take away the Maharajah’s worries? His abundant vitality needs a channel, training for his more than rare manas. If you enforce a life of inactivity on him then he will seek his own release, and, as much as I trust him, his will to achieve might be directed to something less pleasing to the Maharajah. What assignment do you have for this bright, talented mind, O, Maharajah?’
‘Conquer the East?’ asked Bindusara, after hesitating. ‘Then Prince Ashoka would once more have an army under his command, this time much larger. Moreover, it would be less agreeable to Brahma. His mind is capable and inclined to more glorious works than war.’
Ashoka the Great Page 24