Susima Maurya (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 killed in a succession conflict by his younger half-brother, Ashoka, who eventually succeeded Bindusara as the third Mauryan emperor.

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 and his chief queen, Charumitra. He had several younger half-siblings, including Ashoka, who was 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 the 270s BCE, Susima was the clear heir to the throne. However, Ashoka was a popular figure among the army and the people. 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 was able to defeat Susima's forces and claim the throne for himself. Susima was killed in the fighting.

The death of Susima was a major turning point in the history of the Maurya Empire. Ashoka went on to become one of the greatest emperors in Indian history. He is best known for his promotion of Buddhism and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence.

Cultural depictions

• Ajith Kumar portrayed Sushim in the 2001 Bollywood film Aśoka.
• Ankit Arora portrayed the role of Sushim in the historical drama series Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat.
  • Sumedh Mudgalkar played the young version.

References