The value of Asoka is greatly enhanced when we study and examine Asoka's life, his reign and the great role played by him to raise the moral standard of his subjects. He himself perceived and visioned several issues which can be collected from a study of his edicts. Based on extensive research survey of the life of this great rulers. The authors looks at the subject both historically and analytically. It is an important contribution to the world on Buddhism and literature and to the study of Asoka's reign. It can be mentioned as the first major study of hisl ife and it provides a unique body of evidence that throws new light on him. The author has produced it in a thoughtful manner and in a scholarly way and for this reason this book develops an integrated approach to understand him, his life and his services to Buddhism. About Author : Dr. K.L. Hazra received his M.A., LL.B., and Diploma in French language from the University of Calcutta. He obtained his Ph.D. degree at the University of Peradoniya, Sri Lanka. He was a Commonwealth scholar. He is the author of a number of papers published in the noted nournals and periodicals in English and Benali. He is one of India's leading Indologists. He is a versatile scholar and is quite well-known for his contributions to the field of Buddhism. He is a well-known author of South and South-East Asian History and is one of themost influential thinkers of Buddhist history in India. He is the author of several books. Contents : Preface Abbreviations Asoka (c.273-232 BC) Asoka's Edicts: Glossary An Account of Asoka's Art Was Asoka Responsible for the Decline of the Maurya Empire? Conclusion Bibliography Index