Ashoka and the Muddled Messages
Author: 
Natasha Sharma
age group: 
7+ yrs
Number of pages: 
72
Publisher: 
Duckbill
Themes:
Mauryan Empire history Brahmi script Ashoka the Great
Genre:
fiction, humor
 

Ashoka the Great, wanted to spread the message of peace, tolerance and non-violence, throughout the Mauryan Empire. He ordered these messages to be inscribed on rocks and pillars, today known as rock edicts.

This story is a spoof on that well-known historical fact. A traitor, unhappy with his decision, decides to create trouble. He launches a devious plan to inscribe messages diametrically opposing the diktat of the emperor subjects. What follows is a hilarious series of events set in motion to uncover the meddlers of the edicts: a light-hearted mystery that kids will enjoy. 

A siimple plotline with oodles of fun and facts snucked in. It is a great way to introduce the readers to one of the greatest rulers of India, Ashoka.

This well researched book introduces young readers to many new aspects of Ashoka's reign and as the icing on the cake, the end pages of the book titled Facts or Fiction provide factual information about words from the Ashokan Brahmi script, one of India's earliest recorded script, and other interesting snippets.

The illustrations are apt and support the story beautifully.

Learning history made much more fun!

 

 

 

Reviewed by Nargis Kabani