Understanding Ashoka's Contemporary Foreign Rulers

The question asks about the kingdom ruled by Turamaya, who was a contemporary foreign king mentioned in the edicts of Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka, a prominent ruler of the Maurya dynasty in ancient India, is known for his widespread rock and pillar edicts, which provide valuable insights into his reign, policies, and foreign relations.

Identifying King Turamaya

King Turamaya is mentioned in Ashoka's Major Rock Edict 13. This edict lists several Hellenistic (Greek) kings with whom Ashoka had interactions and sent emissaries (Dharmadutas) to spread the message of Dharma. Identifying these foreign kings helps us understand the geographical reach of Ashoka's influence or at least his awareness of contemporary powers.

Historians have identified Turamaya with Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Ptolemy II Philadelphus was a significant ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, which was based in Egypt.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the options provided and how they relate to the kings mentioned in Ashoka's Edict 13:

• Cyrene: Mentioned in Edict 13 as ruled by 'Maka'. Maka is identified with Magas of Cyrene. So, Turamaya was not the ruler of Cyrene.
• Egypt: Mentioned in Edict 13 as ruled by 'Turamaya'. As identified, Turamaya is Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the ruler of Egypt. This aligns with historical interpretations.
• Epirus: Mentioned in Edict 13 as ruled by 'Alikasudara'. Alikasudara is identified with Alexander of Epirus (or possibly Corinth). So, Turamaya was not the ruler of Epirus.
• Syria: Mentioned in Edict 13 as ruled by 'Antiyoka'. Antiyoka is identified with Antiochus II Theos of the Seleucid Empire, which included Syria. So, Turamaya was not the ruler of Syria.

Based on the identification of Turamaya with Ptolemy II Philadelphus and the geographical location of his kingdom, Turamaya was the ruler of Egypt.

Conclusion on Turamaya's Kingdom

The historical evidence from Ashoka's Major Rock Edict 13 strongly suggests that King Turamaya, a contemporary of Ashoka, was the ruler of Egypt. This connection highlights the diplomatic and cultural exchanges that existed between the Maurya Empire and the Hellenistic kingdoms during Ashoka's time.

Therefore, Turamaya was the ruler of Egypt.

Revision Table - Ashoka's Contemporary Rulers

Additional Information - Ashoka's Foreign Relations

Ashoka's Edict 13 is a key source for understanding his foreign policy and the reach of his Dharma missions. He claims to have sent messengers to spread the message of Dharma not only within his vast empire but also to several foreign kingdoms, including those ruled by Greek kings. This indicates a period of active diplomatic and cultural exchange between India and the Hellenistic world.

The mentioned kings ruled various parts of the vast territory that was formerly part of Alexander the Great's empire, which fragmented after his death. Ashoka's reference to these distant rulers suggests a significant level of geographical knowledge and diplomatic engagement during the Maurya period.