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Ashoka the Great

Written by Wytze Keuning

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660 pages, about 13 hours of reading

History

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About this book

The historical novel ‘Ashoka the Great’ is the life story of one of India’s greatest monarchs, living in the 3d century B.C. The Ashoka-chakra, the wheel of Dharma, adorns since India’s independence the Indian flag. His nearly 40 years’ government is viewed today by scholars as the first welfare state the world has known. In part 1 of the trilogy, The Wild Prince, we see how his passionate but honest character leads him often into difficulties. He is praised for his pride and courage yet feared for his direct tough actions, looking through the trickery of enemies. As the successor of his father he becomes The Wise Ruler, part 2, a governor ruling with wisdom, strict laws and justice. After a terrible war in which numerous people lost their life, he embraced Buddhism, forswearing all wars of attack. After years of ruling, applying the wisdom of Gautama the Buddha, he becomes Dharmashoka, the great admonisher, part 3.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Ashoka the Great, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 22 hours
  • intermediate
  • epic
  • transformative
  • historical

Wytze Keuning's 'Ashoka the Great' is an epic historical novel spanning 660 pages, chronicling the transformative life of one of ancient India's most significant monarchs, Ashoka Maurya. The narrative unfolds in three parts: 'The Wild Prince' details his fiery youth and early struggles, 'The Wise Ruler' portrays his reign marked by strict justice and effective governance, and 'Dharmashoka' illustrates his profound spiritual conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War, leading him to champion peace and establish what scholars consider the world's first welfare state. The book delves into his evolution from a fierce warrior to a benevolent emperor whose legacy, symbolized by the Ashoka-chakra, continues to inspire India.

“"My passion burns fiercely, a fire that both forges and destroys. Let them fear it, for it is the price of my honesty."”

Key themes

Transformation and Redemption
This is the central theme, tracing Ashoka's profound journey from a ruthless, ambitious prince and conqueror to a compassionate, peace-loving emperor. It explores the capacity for change within an individual, even after committing grave acts, and the possibility of finding redemption through spiritual awakening and dedicated service to others.
Power, Governance, and Justice
The novel deeply examines different facets of power: the raw ambition of a prince, the strict but just rule of an emperor, and the benevolent governance of a 'welfare state.' It questions how power should be wielded, the role of law, and the ultimate responsibility of a ruler towards their subjects, moving from coercive power to moral authority.
War and Peace
This theme contrasts the destructive nature of war with the pursuit of lasting peace. It vividly portrays the horrors of conflict, particularly through the Kalinga War, and then illustrates the profound impact of choosing a path of non-violence and diplomacy. It delves into the moral and psychological costs of warfare.

Worth discussing

How does Ashoka's early 'wildness' contribute to his later capacity for wisdom and justice?

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