Question

Who was the son of Ashoka mentioned in an inscription?
A) Tivara
B) Kunala
C) Mahinda
D) Jalauka

Answer 1

Hint: Ashoka was the ruler of the Mauryan Empire of India from 273 B.C. to 233 B.C. The son of Ashoka mentioned in an inscription was born from his wife Karuvaki. He is also considered to have been a favourite child of Ashoka.

Complete answer:
The Buddhist texts mention Ashoka’s family. Devi, also known as ‘Vedisa’, the princess of Ujjaini, was the first wife of Ashoka. He had two other wives whose names were Karuvaki and Asandhimitra. The only son of Ashoka, who was born to Karuvaki, is mentioned in the inscription.

Let us analyze the given options:
Option A) Tivara: Also referred to as ‘Tivala', he was the son of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and his second queen Karuvaki. Born in the 3rd century BC, he is the only son of Ashoka who is mentioned by name in an inscription. He and his mother Karuvaki are mentioned in the Queen’s edict. He is Ashoka’s only son whose existence is confirmed by historical evidence and who was a possible successor to his father. However, it seems that Tivala may have died before Ashoka and therefore could not succeed him as Emperor of the Mauryan Empire. He is also considered to have been a favourite child of Ashoka, being his mother his only wife living in the palace suggesting his matters. Thus, it is the correct option.

Option B) Kunala: He was the son of Emperor Ashoka, born to his Queen Padmavati. His mother died after a few days after his birth and he was brought up by Ashoka’s first wife Devi. Being Ashoka’s eldest son, he was supposed to be the heir to the throne but was blinded at a young age by Tishyaraksha, his step-mother. While he was unable to take the throne, his son, Samprati, became his heir. During the reign of Ashoka, Kunala also served as the Viceroy of Taxila. This option is incorrect because there is no historic evidence about him and his name is also not mentioned in the inscription.

Option C) Mahinda: Arahat Mahinda was the first son of Ashoka, born to his wife Devi. In Buddhist sources, he is depicted as a Buddhist Monk and the one who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. He was sent as a Buddhist missionary to Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura Kingdom. Mahinda attained the title of an ‘Arhat’ and resided at Mihintale. He played an essential role in proliferating the religion of Buddhism throughout the Indian subcontinent. His name is also not mentioned in an inscription, therefore it is also not a correct option.

Option D) Jalauka: Jalauka was another son of Ashoka. ‘Kalhana’ had written about him in Rajatarangini, his famous work, that he ruled over Kashmir after the death of his father. There is not much historical evidence about him but it is evident that his name is also not mentioned in an inscription. Thus, it is also an incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is Option A. Tivara was Ashoka’s son mentioned in an inscription.

Note: Ashoka wrote a series of edicts, in which he explained his policies and aspirations for the empire and had even urged other people to follow his enlightened example. The Edicts of King Ashoka were carved onto stone pillars which are about 40 to 50 feet high and set up all around the edges of the Mauryan Empire and also in the heart of Ashoka's realm. Dozens of these pillars can still be seen in India, Nepal, Pakistan, as well as in Afghanistan.