| "Why? Is it reserved for me? Could
anyone challenge my imperial away? Who could stand in my way?" he mused. And ended, "It is
an unfulfilled renown". Anyway, it looked challenging his military prowess. At once, his thirst for
expansion and hunger for adventure were awakened.
Sure, a monarch of his type and
temper could not rest until that small, small, small piece of land, equal to that of his kitchen
got annexed. It must become part and parcel of his proud imperial empire.
Would he relish the idea of his suzerainty being questioned? On the contrary, his over lordship must
openly be acknowledged with rich gifts, befitting his imperial status.
Kalingas must kiss his feet in token of their servitude. Nothing less, nor
more. That was the hot passion emanating from the burning heart of that proud impetuous, bubbling
youthful monarch, which ignited his power lust and propelled him into
war theatre for absolute suzerainty over Akhand Bharat!
Should such an imperious King
Asoka sit cross-legged and think otherwise? Never! Never!! Never!!! Certainly never in the
case of any Kshatriya of his day. Scriptures endorse military campaigns, and
the past supports them. Why, his 'Swadharma' amours him from head to foot and thrusts him into
war theatre. Yet, he was in a fix.
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