Nayanjot Lahiri is a historian and archaeologist of ancient India. Her work focuses on providing a comprehensive view of the past, skillfully weaving together archaeological discoveries with historical sources. Lahiri delves into the social and cultural structures of ancient societies, uncovering their evolution over time. Her approach offers profound insights into the lives of people in bygone civilizations.
The book explores the evolving persona of India's most renowned emperor, highlighting how it was adapted throughout history to align with diverse social visions, political agendas, and moral objectives. It delves into the complexities of his image and the impact of these reinventions on society and culture in ancient India.
In the third century BCE Ashoka ruled in South Asia and Afghanistan, and came to be seen as the ideal Buddhist king. Disentangling the threads of Ashoka’s life from the knot of legend that surrounds it, Nayanjot Lahiri presents a vivid biography of an emperor whose legacy extends far beyond the bounds of his lifetime and dominion.