Though Ashoka had many sons, the inscriptions mentioned only one who is not mentioned in any other source. He is?
VerifiedAnswer: Tivara
Explanation:
Emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest rulers of ancient India, had several sons, but among all of them, Tivara holds a unique position in historical records. This is because Tivara is mentioned exclusively in Ashoka's rock inscriptions and edicts, making him a fascinating figure for historians studying the Mauryan dynasty.
What makes Tivara particularly intriguing is that while Ashoka's other sons like Mahinda, Kunala, and Jalauka are mentioned in various historical sources including Buddhist texts, chronicles, and other literary works, Tivara appears only in the stone inscriptions commissioned by Ashoka himself. This absence from other historical records has puzzled scholars for generations.
The inscriptions that mention Tivara are part of Ashoka's comprehensive edicts carved on rocks and pillars across his vast empire. These edicts served multiple purposes - they proclaimed his policies, shared his philosophical beliefs, and sometimes included personal references to his family members. The fact that Ashoka chose to mention Tivara in these permanent stone records suggests that this son held some significance in the emperor's life.
Several theories exist about why Tivara doesn't appear in other historical sources. Some historians suggest that he might have died young, before he could make a significant mark in political or religious activities that would warrant mention in chronicles. Others propose that he might have been assigned to govern distant provinces, keeping him away from the central court activities that were typically recorded by court historians.
The mystery of Tivara also highlights the importance of Ashoka's inscriptions as primary historical sources. These stone edicts, written in various scripts including Brahmi and Kharoshthi, provide us with direct insight into Ashoka's thoughts, policies, and personal life. They serve as invaluable first-hand accounts from one of India's most influential rulers, offering information that might not be available in secondary sources compiled by later historians.
