| Asoka
Priyadarsin |
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| Temples
Of India |
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ASOKA
AS A PATRON |
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When metal disappeared from
his tables, earthenware occupied its place. Insult! Shameful! A
great disgrace to the monarch of his reputation and standing. It was
indeed a grievous wrong. A nameless crime too. He became furious,
but helpless. He asked his
loyal minister Radhagupta, whether he was not the King at all to be
treated like that, and why such damnable treatment was meted out to
him? Radhagupta evaded the truth and answered him that he was the
sovereign of the land. He tried to put him in good humor. Asoka
could not bear the word 'Sovereign' applied to him. He burst into
tears. "My
royalty is gone. My wings are clipped. My hands are bound and I am
shackled. Oh what a misfortune! I am fallen on evil days", he
moaned. He grew thin and pale at the thought of his inability to
redeem the debt. He passed restless days and sleepless nights.
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