PREFACE

Emperors are rare. Emperor - warriors are rarer still. Emperor - preachers are the rarest ever. Asoka takes pride of place among such rarities. He is an emperor, warrior and Preacher-all rolled into one.

As an emperor he has few equals on the world stage; as a conqueror of hearts than lands, none stands above him; and lastly as an emperor-philosopher none dares competing with him. He towers over any in the past or present; and east or west. He is comparable with the world famous figures, like Khalif Omar and Constantine, in some respects only. But, he is favorably comparable with the incomparable Rajarishi 'Janaka' of Mithila of oriental fame, or Marcus Aurelius of occidental reputation. Closer examination reveals that his so called equals trial behind him, miles after in fact; for, they neither possessed his zeal, nor were they credited with personal observation.

Asoka is, therefore. unique, as a sovereign-conqueror-preacher. Scholars and critics showered on him fragrant flowers of praises, that in fact, raised his stature to an enviable position. They appear dumbfounded at his gigantic stature and Titantic strength. As they go deep, they find him slowly and steadily rising into the sky till he becomes the brightest star in the galaxy of rulers in the political firmament.

He is by far the greatest, mightiest, noblest and brightest monarch that the written records place before us. Indeed, we run short of superlatives in our estimation of his matchless personality.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]