Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Incarnations: India in 50 Lives

Documentaries

Factual: History

The history of India told through the lives of 50 phenomenal people.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 FM

Incarnations: India in 50 Lives: Ashoka: Power and Persuasion

Ashoka: Power and Persuasion

15/05/2015

BBC Radio 4 - Incarnations: India in 50 Lives, Ashoka: Power and Persuasion

Sunil Khilnani explores the life and legacy of Ashoka, ruler of a great Indian empire.

Sunil Khilnani explores the life and legacy of the once-forgotten emperor Ashoka, whose ideas and beliefs provided an inspiration for modern-day India.

Professor Sunil Khilnani of the King's India Institute in London looks at the life and legacy of the emperor Ashoka, who ruled over a large part of the Indian sub-continent. He came to power around the time the Romans were fighting Carthage and the Chinese were building their Great Wall but faded from view over time. Rediscovered by the British, he went on to become an inspiration to India's nationalists. Ashoka's symbol of four lions, each facing in a different direction, can be found on official Indian documents and the nation's currency. His most remarkable legacy is the rock edicts, public instructions to his people on correct behaviour - including religious tolerance and his own principle of Dhamma. "Dhamma described the ruler's duty to interest himself in the welfare of his people, their health and happiness. It even committed him to planting banyan trees and mango groves along the roads, to provide water and resting places for travellers . . an early statement about the private faith of a leader and the responsibilities of public office"
Producer: Mark Savage.
Researcher: Manu Pillai
With incidental music by the composer Talvin Singh.
Listeners can catch up with the series and see the list of remarkable Indians featured on the Radio 4 website.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Incarnations: India in 50 Lives

Ashoka: Power and Persuasion

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4