The Mauryan Polity c7.s1.t12.4

c7.s1.t12.4

Aśoka’s aim was to win the affection of his people. Just as a father would do his best to his children, so that they may enjoy life thoroughly and well by pursuing a righteous path leading them ultimately to the heaven of bliss, so Aśoka wished to do to his people. He wanted to see that every one of his subjects was happy and contented. In a word, Aśoka liked to follow the *Rājadharma* in such a manner that it would tend to the *Yogakṣema* of the state comprised of different communities of people. Welfare and happiness (*hita-sukham*) correspond to the happy phrase of the Kauṭalīya *Yogakṣema*. It was then the ambition of Aśoka to discharge his duty, namely protection of his subjects, in a way calculated to promote their best interests