India,also known as Aryavarta or Bharat,was ruled by many ever since the dawn of civilization.Many rulers made their way to the pages of history. However there was one who outshone all. There was one whose name has prevailed through ages and will continue to. He was ruthless, merciless and cruel. He fought one of the most gory and horrific wars of the land, massacred millions. The horrors of the war were such that he was plunged into grief, sorrow and repentance. From the fire of redemption, he emerged as the most benevolent one, the epitome of kindness who spread love and peace. He is known by many names. Devanaamapriya, Priyadarshi, Chakravartin. We know him as Ashoka.
It is said that every individual has a special person who influences his life in some way or other, someone who leaves an ever lasting impact on his life. In Emperor Ashoka'a life, there were not one but five women who influenced him and were influenced by him at different stages of his life. They were an integral part of his life.
Devi
His first wife was Maharani Devi. She was a merchant's daughter from Vidisha. The Mahabodhivamsa claims that she was from the Shakya Clan thus making her related to Buddha. She was a devout follower of Buddhism which is why Ashoka was inspired to follow Buddhism later in his life. She was the mother of his most renowned children Mahendra and Sanghamitra.
Kaurvaki
His second wife was Rani Karuvaki also known as Kaurwaki or Charuvaki. She was a fisherwoman from the state of Kalinga, which is part of Orissa state now. It is said that during the Kalinga War she fought against her husband for her motherland. She bore him a son named Tivala. Rani Karuvaki is the only Queen to be mentioned in his edicts.
Padmavati
His third wife was Rani Padmavati .Nothing much is known about her apart from the fact that she died at an early age. It's also not known whether her marriage to Ashoka was a political alliance or out of love. She was the mother of the heir presumptive Kunala.
Asandhimitra
His fourth wife was Asandhimitra who was also his Chief Queen or Agramahishi. She was the only Queen who belonged to a royal background. Her marriage to Ashoka was a political alliance but she became an important partner in all his endeavours. Asandhimitra was childless but she raised Padmavati'a son Kunala as her own.
Tisyarakhsaka
His fifth wife was Rani Tishyaraksha also known as Tishyarakshita. Tishyaraksha was a maid who took care of Ashoka after the death of Asandhimitra.She soon charmed him and went on to become the Chief Queen. There was a huge age gap between Ashoka and Tishyaraksha. According to the Ashokavandana, it is said that Tishyaraksha harbored feelings for Ashoka's son Kunala. When he rejected her, she blinded him.
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Edited by BabyHimavari - 9 years ago
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