Reimagining Asoka

Description

Jawaharlal Nehru, while adopting the cakra for the Indian national flag, famously described Asoka’s reign as an ‘international period’ in Indian history. This book studies the diverse legacies of Asoka’s rule in India and the world. Written in light of advances made in archaeology, epigraphy, and numismatics in the past half century, these essays are linked by three underlying themes. The first discusses the best-known monuments of Asoka— pillars and rocks that bear his inscriptions. The second examines the interconnectedness of the edicts, their monumentality, and the role of Buddhism in the different concept of kingship they conveyed. The third analyses the making of the cultural memory of Asoka and raises pertinent questions crucial for understanding the relationship between the past and the present. Replete with photographs from various Asokan sites, these essays by prominent scholars from across the world outline the importance of Asoka not only for the Indian nation-state but also for the entire Buddhist world of South and South-east Asia. Moving away from conventional periodization of Indian history, the book raises important questions on the beginning of history and archaeology in the modern period. It examines the extent to which nineteenth century initiatives have affected the study of Asoka and his reign. Contributors Shailendra Bhandare • Chongfeng Li • Max Deeg • Virchand Dharamsey • Harry Falk • Oskar von Hinüber • Vidula Jayaswal • Bhagwan Josh • Janice Leoshko • Mark McClish • K.R. Norman • Patrick Olivelle • Grant Parker • Himanshu Prabha Ray • Jean-François Salles • Richard Salomon • John S. Strong • Romila Thapar • Herman Tieken