The Mauryan

Can Ashoka conquer his enemies or will his own demons get the better of him? Known in the far corners of the world as a great conqueror, King Bindusara rules over much of India with an iron hand. When a Brahmin prophesies that he will father a legendary ruler, a king above all kings, Bindusara is ecstatic. But the child, when he is born, is a frail, ordinary-looking boy and his father’s disappointment knows no bounds. Disgusted, Bindusara leaves the boy to his mother, the beautiful Subhadragi, who names him 'Ashoka' - emperor. Ashoka's birth is but a first step in the struggle he will go through to fulfil his destiny. From being denied the affection and approval of his father-who only has eyes for his eldest son, Susima - to being bullied and humiliated by his own siblings, Ashoka is taught to be the master of his own fate from a very early age. While the volatile Susima is being groomed for the throne he does not deserve, Ashoka is sent to quell a rebellion in Takshashila. But his rise has been noted by many, who want to end the threat to Susima's succession once and for all... Masterfully re-imagining the legendary beginnings of the scion of the Mauryan dynasty, The Mauryan tells an engrossing tale of morality, power and destiny.