The Mauryan Polity c11.s3.t1.4

c11.s3.t1.4

A calm but deep study of the Pāli Buddhism with its special reference to Aśoka leaves the reader with the impression that the whole thing is marred by glaring inconsistencies, and the views set forth are deeply sectarian and consequently one-sided. Materials culled from these fictions compiled centuries after Aśoka’s death can afford no tangible basis to build any historical edifice. Scholars have realised this difficulty though they still believe that these chronicles are materials for scientific history. If it be accepted that the legends do not carry much historical value, the inscriptions of Aśoka can alone be credited with trustworthiness.