Asoka ascended the throne in 273 B.C.
An epoch of able administration, guided by an enlightened policy was inaugurated with Asoka in the
throne as monarch, over a vast empire under his imperial umbrella. His empire comprised the whole of
India, stretching between the Hindukush and the Himalayas on the north, and a line running
approximately between Mangalore and Madras in the down south. It is really
a matter of great pride to note that the extent of the empire went beyond the limits of Bharata
Khanda of mythological fame. Some countries like Aria, Achrosia and
Gedrosia, the integral parts of Persia, which now remain outside India, then formed
the proud parts of his kingdom. Never had such a vast country remained in tact, under
one sovereign for long. Credit goes to Asoka for not only ruling such a
vast country, but also making fresh additions to it by his matchless
military powers.
Asoka enjoyed the
singular good fortune of being spared the difficult task of winning,
or governing such vast empire. As luck would have it, his valorous
father had bequeathed him a vast and firmly established kingdom that
made his task easy, and life happy. Thanks to his remarkable
grand-father Chandragupta, who founded, consolidated and handed down
a well organised kingdom, won by his matchless valour and pee less
statesmanship.
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