Did Ashoka Kill His 99 Brothers to Access the Magadha Throne? Debunking the Myths
Surrounding the life of one of the most famous monarchs in history, Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty in Ancient India, is a plethora of legends and myths. One of the most notable and often repeated claims is that Ashoka killed 99 of his brothers to access the throne of Magadha. However, this narrative is far from being substantiated by historical evidence.
The Traditional Narrative and Its Debunking
The idea that Ashoka killed 99 brothers to secure the throne is part of a traditional narrative that has been passed down through generations. However, the reliability of this claim is questionable. According to Prof. Makkhan Lal, not only is the number of brothers inflated, but also the affectionate language Ashoka uses in his edicts towards his brothers and sisters and other relatives casts doubt on the veracity of this claim.
Historical Accounts and Contradictions
Various ancient texts, including Buddhist chronicles, provide contradictory accounts of Ashoka's ascension to the throne:
Dipavamsa
Dipavamsa, an ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist text, claims that Ashoka killed 100 brothers. The text reads, 'When Mahinda was ten years old, his father put his brothers to death, then he passed four years reigning over Jambudipa. Having killed his hundred brothers alone continuing his race, Asoka was anointed king in Mahinda’s fourteenth year.' (Chapter 6, Dipavamsa).
Mahavamsa
The Mahavamsa, another Buddhist text, states that Ashoka killed 99 brothers: 'He when he had slain his ninety-nine brothers born of different mothers, won the undivided sovereignty over all Jambudipa. Be it known that two hundred and eighteen years had passed from the nirvana of the Master unto Asokas consecration.' (Chapter V, Mahavamsa).
Cambodian Mahavamsa
The Cambodian version of the Mahavamsa also states that Ashoka killed 99 brothers: 'Having his ninety-nine brothers by different mothers murdered, and raising the Royal canopy over himself, he himself was consecrated right there in the city.' (Chapter V, Cambodian Mahavamsa).
Taranatha’s 'History of Buddhism in India'
However, Taranatha’s 'History of Buddhism in India' provides a different account, stating that Ashoka killed only six brothers, not 99. The text mentions, 'Having once a clash of opinions with the elder brothers he Asoka went on fighting them for several years. At last he killed his six brothers along with the five hundred ministers. He attacked many other cities and brought under his rule the whole territory from the Himalaya to the Vindhya.' (Chapter 6, 'History of Buddhism in India').
Ashokavadana
Ashokavadana, a literary text providing an alternative account of Ashoka's life, specifically mentions that Ashoka killed his brother Susima, but not any other brothers: '[As soon as Asoka became king] his authority extended to the yaksas as far away as a yojana above the earth and to the nagas a yojana beneath it. [As his first act] he appointed Radhagupta prime minister. Susima too learned that Bindusara had died and Asoka had been installed on the throne. The news made him furious and he hastened to return to the capital. Meanwhile in Potaliputra Asoka posted his two great warriors at two of the city gates and Radhagupta at a third. He himself stood at the eastern gate. In front of it Radhagupta set up an artificial elephant on top of which he placed an image of Asoka that he had fashioned. All around he dug a ditch filled it with live coals of acacia wood covered it with reeds and camouflaged the whole with dirt. He then went and taunted Susima: 'If you are able to kill Asoka you will become king!' Susima immediately rushed to the eastern gate intending to do battle with his half-brother but he fell into the ditch full of charcoal and came to an untimely and painful end.' (Ashokavadana).
The Debunking of the Myth
Much of these stories appear to be overblown and mythologized over time, reflecting the dramatic nature of royal succession in ancient India. The historical accuracy of these accounts remains uncertain and should be viewed within the context of the era's storytelling traditions. While some accounts may contain kernels of truth, they are often embellished or invented to serve various narrative purposes.
Conclusion
The claim that Ashoka killed 99 brothers to access the throne of Magadha should be treated with caution. While some accounts suggest he did eliminate a number of his siblings, the exact number and the extent of violence involved are disputed. The historical evidence is not sufficient to substantiate the claim of 99 brothers being killed. Understanding the complexities of ancient Indian history requires a nuanced approach, balancing myth with historical evidence to gain a clearer picture of the past.