Ashoka was a Buddhist at least 2.5 years before Kalinga, as he himself admits in his minor rock edict at Maski, 260 BCE.
Hence, any views of him converting to Buddhism after seeing the carnage at Kalinga is an utter lie.
He uses the 'Buddha-Sakya' = Ordinary Follower of Buddhism in his edict at Maski.
The word 'Buddha-Sakya' in Brahmi
Ashoka, however, did not inherit, but was a convert to Buddhism.
Like his predecessors, he freely allowed the slaughter of animals in royal kitchens every day, prior to conversion. In fact, Ashoka did not become an absolute vegetarian, even after his conversion.
His meat diet was limited to the flesh of two deers and one peacock , even in 258 BCE; some six years after his conversion and though the deer was discarded later, it is not definitely known if the peacock was given up as well.
The list of animals and birds specified by Ashoka for protection in his Pillar Edict V, issued in 243 / 242 BCE does not include Peacock.
Similarly, he induldged in all kinds of royal parties and merry-making before his conversion. ( translation of a part of Pillar Edict V )
And he had been described in all texts as the one who killed his elder brother, Prince Susima for the throne.
Lastly, even as a Buddhist he didn't desist from a bloody battle at Kalinga, some 2.5 years after his conversion to Buddhism. This battle gave rise to 4 lac casualties.
Thus, no stories such as those anxiously invented by the Buddhist texts are needed to prove the miraculous power of Buddhism in converting an ordinary king into a saint.
The facts speak for themselves!
Source: 'Ashoka' by Dr. R. K. Mookerji
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When did the Greek soldiers, who came with Alexander, leave India ?
Treaty of Babylon (323 BCE), formulated just after the death of Alexander, mentions 'India east of Indus' (till Beas river) belonging to the Greek empire.
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The treaty of Triparadisus (321 BCE) which further partitioned Alexander's empire among his generals, doesn't include any regions east of Indus.
This signified the independence of these eastern regions from Greek rule.
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So, between 325 BCE -321 BCE, the 'tall poppies of Greek imperialism' were cut down by the revolutionaries led by Chandragupta.
Greeks 'West of Indus' continued their presence, but left along with Eudemus & Peithon in c. 317 BCE to participate in the 'Diadochi Wars'.
Domingo Paes was a Portuguese traveller, who visited Vijaynagara in c. 1520 and has left a detailed and vivid description of Vijaynagara and the emperor.
His account is one of the very few descriptions of Vijaynagara by a foreign traveller.
Appearance of Raya
This is what Paes says about the Emperors' appearance:
"The king is of medium height, has a fair complexion and a good figure. He is of cheerful disposition, honours foreigners, receives them kindly and asks all about their affairs.... "
The story is taken from Ramayana, where Ravana, because of his victories against Gods and humans becomes so arrogant that he now wants to lift up the Kailasha, which is an abode of his benefactor God, Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Let's look at the details of this sculpture, which is at cave number 29, Ellora.
The thread would list few of the greatest traitors of India, whose acts allowed foreign rule of the country, for which they were rewarded by the invaders.
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1. Sanggaios or Sanjaya (c. 327 BCE)
Sanggaios was a chieftain under 'Astes' or 'Hastin' during Alexander's invasion.
He betrayed his master and joined the Greeks, who captured the city.
Sanggaios was later given administration of the fallen city by Alexander.
2. Sisicottus or Sasigupta (c. 326 BCE)
Sasigupta was a chieftain of NW of India & helped Alexander during his invasion.
He was an agent of Greek imperialism, who also helped Alexander crush rebellion of Ashvanayas.
He was rewarded with regions like Rock of Aronos to govern.