The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c24.s3.5

c24.s3.5

When next mentioned in Asoka's edicts (256 B. C.) they were reckoned among the tribes and nations resident in or adjoining the outer circle of the empire, and perhaps subject to the imperial command, although doubtless enjoying a considerable degree of autonomy under their own Rāja.³ The withdrawal of the strong arm of Asoka was the signal for the disruption of his vast empire. While the home provinces continued to obey his feeble successors upon the throne of Pātaliputra, the distant governments, including Kalinga, which he had taken so much trouble to annex, shook off the imperial yoke and reasserted their independence.