Susima

Susima Biography

Susima was a royal prince of Mauryan Empire. He was the half-brother of Ashoka and eldest son of Emperor Bindusara. He was the grandson of great warrior Chandragupta Maurya who established Maurya Empire. He was in line for the throne after his father’s death. However his younger brother Ashoka killed him to capture the throne. While his father was ruling the kingdom, he served as the viceroy of Taxila.

He was born prior to 304 BCE in Pataliputra. He was the elder son of Emperor Bindusara, and had several siblings. Bindusara had many wives and kids. Susima was given due respect by others, as he was the genuine heir to the Mauryan throne. As the royal prince, he was the head of all provinces and was assisted by a council of ministers. He was known for arrogance and egoistic and he was worried if the king will give kingdom to his half-brother Asoka. Asoka was a great warrior who brought more success to the King which made Susima and others worried. Insecurity feeling tempted Susima to plan a trap to kill Ashoka.

He persuaded his father to send Ashoka to suppress the revolt of militants in Taxila Province, a headache for the empire for many long years. He dreamt that it would end in Ashoka’s death. But the militants welcomed their favourite Ashoka warmly. With wisdom Ashoka ended the revolt without bloodshed, increasing the jealousy of his elder brothers. Bindusara later renounced his throne in favour of Ashoka in 272 BCE and went to do penance. Though he wanted to give the throne to the elder son, the ministers supported Ashoka and the king gave up. As per a few records, Ashoka pushed Susima inside a burning coal pit to get rid of him.

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Updated: December 24, 2015