Nayanjot Lahiri je historička a archeologička starovekej Indie. Jej práca sa zameriava na komplexný pohľad na minulosť, kde prepája archeologické nálezy s historickými prameňmi. Lahiri skúma spoločenské a kultúrne štruktúry starovekej spoločnosti a odhaľuje ich vývoj v priebehu času. Jej prístup ponúka hlboký vhľad do života ľudí v dávnych civilizáciách.
In the third century BCE Ashoka ruled in South Asia and Afghanistan, and came to be seen as the ideal Buddhist king. Disentangling the threads of Ashoka’s life from the knot of legend that surrounds it, Nayanjot Lahiri presents a vivid biography of an emperor whose legacy extends far beyond the bounds of his lifetime and dominion.
The book explores the evolving persona of India's most renowned emperor, highlighting how it was adapted throughout history to align with diverse social visions, political agendas, and moral objectives. It delves into the complexities of his image and the impact of these reinventions on society and culture in ancient India.