MAURYAN DYNASTY ( queen ashandhimitra on pg -3 ) - Page 2

Since Asandhimitra belonged to a royal family, she was considered to be a suitable wife for Prince Ashoka.[4] Therefore, upon Ashoka's accession to the throne in 270 BCE, Asandhimitra became his first queen-consort and was additionally given the honourable title of agramahisi (chief queen). As such, she held many exclusive powers, prominent among which was the authority she had over all of Ashoka's lesser queens and concubines.[2] [6] Asandhimitra held the position of being her husband's chief consort for thirty years, from his accession in 270 BCE till her own death in 240 BCE.[1] Furthermore, she was Ashoka's only wife who was of royal birth.[2]

Asandhimitra was a faithful believer in the Sambuddha and was a pious woman. Since Asandhimitra was empress she had a say in official dealings.Ashok consulted his wife in every single decision made for the kingdom. Ashandhimitra has right to approve or disapprove as per her will in official matters. Despite being bestowed by such power she was a loving queen . She was Ashoka's devoted helper in his great efforts for the advancement of the Buddhist faith.[8] She is also said to have been a trusted advisor and a faithful companion to her husband and is described as having been his "beloved" and "dear" queen.[7] [8] This is evidenced by the fact that Ashoka was deeply grieved at her death. It appears that Asandhimitra bore Ashoka no children and died without leaving any issue.[2]

Four years after her death, when Ashoka was old, he married a dissolute young woman named Tishyaraksha (who is sometimes referred to as having been Asandhimitra's attendant) and raised her to the rank of chief queen in 236 BCE. It appears that Ashoka (now in his old age) had succumbed to the influence and charm of his new wife, after having lost the possibly more mature companionship of Asandhimitra.[9]