Ashoka

Portrait of a Philosopher King

By: Patrick Olivelle

Narrated by: Neil Shah

There are few historical figures more integral to South Asian history than Emperor Ashoka, a third-century BCE king who ruled over a larger area of the Indian subcontinent than anyone else before British colonial rule. Ashoka sought not only to rule his territory, but also to give it a unity of purpose and aspiration, to unify the people of his vastly heterogeneous empire not by a cult of personality, but by the cult of an idea-"dharma"-which served as the linchpin of a new moral order.

He aspired to forge a new moral philosophy that would be internalized not only by the people of his empire, but also by rulers and subjects of other countries, and would form the foundation for his theory of international relations, in which practicing dharma would bring international conflicts to an end. His fame spread far and wide both in India and in other parts of Asia, and it prompted diverse reimaginations of the king and his significance.

In this deeply researched book, Patrick Olivelle draws on Ashoka's inscriptions and on the art and architecture he pioneered to craft a detailed picture of Ashoka as a ruler, a Buddhist, a moral philosopher, and an ecumenist who governed a vast multiethnic, multi-linguistic, and multi-religious empire.

©2023 Patrick Olivelle (P)2024 Tantor

brilliant

This is the best history of Ashoka and his era and his impact through to today ever written. Very unusual.

reader excellent

the reader prounanced the Sanskrit and Prakirt correctly. it was a joy to listen to. I also had the book.

BRILLIANT

This is an amazing figure in history.
I don’t think there is an equal.
I do highly recommend this book. As a Buddhist it is a MUST read, as a non Buddhist, one can learn so much.
I have the printed book and it was a joy to listen/read.
I have ordered the book “Ashoka in ancient India” by Nayanjot Lahiri.
Regretfully it is not available in audio form.
The narrator Mr. Neil Shah is, as usual, a pleasure to listen to.
My thanks to all involved, JK.