Susima

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Susima
Crown Prince of Magadha
Predecessor Bindusara
Successor Ashoka
Bornc. 305 BC[ citation needed ]
Diedc. 270 BC[ citation needed ]
House Maurya
Father Bindusara

Susima (also Sushima) was the crown prince of the Maurya Empire of ancient India and the eldest son and heir-apparent of the second Mauryan emperor Bindusara. He was next in line for his father's throne, [1] but was defeated in a succession conflict by his younger half-brother, Ashoka, who eventually succeeded Bindusara as the third Mauryan emperor.

Contents

Birth and family

Susima was the eldest son of the second Mauryan emperor, Bindusara. Not only was Susima the crown prince, but also his mother was a princess as opposed to Ashoka's mother, Subhadrangi, who was a commoner. [2]

Life

Susima was born to Bindusara, likely from his chief queen. He had several younger half-siblings, including Ashoka, born to Bindusara's second wife, Subhadrangi. Susima was well-educated and trained in the arts of war and statecraft. He was also a skilled archer and horseman.

When Bindusara fell ill in 273 BC, Susima was the clear heir to the throne. However, Ashoka was a popular figure among the army and the people. In supposed contrast to Susima, who was known to be rowdy and arrogant. He also had the support of Bindusara's chief minister, Radhagupta.

After Bindusara's death, a succession conflict broke out between Susima and Ashoka. Ashoka defeated Susima's forces and claimed the throne for himself. Susima was defeated in the fighting and he went in exile.

Cultural depictions

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Upinder (2009), A history of ancient and early medieval India: from the Stone Age to the 12th century (3rd impr. ed.), New Delhi: Pearson Longman, p. 331, ISBN   9788131716779
  2. ↑ Gupta, Subhadra Sen (2009). "Taxila and Ujjaini". Ashoka. Penguin UK. ISBN   978-8184758078.
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