Paper 1a - 3
Read the passages and answer the questions that follow
(Advice: look at the questions first so that you know what information you are looking for)
Ashoka the Great [304 BC-232 BC] was one of the younger sons of an Indian emperor. He was, however, obviously a very talented young man, a fine warrior and great leader. His elder brothers tried to keep him out of the limelight, but whenever there was big trouble he was needed as he was loved by the soldiers of the empire and able to win battles. After one of these he was badly injured and cared for by some Buddhist monks. Thus began Ashoka's interest in this religion. Its gentle teachings did not, however, have much effect on him at this stage as he is reported to have murdered all his brothers to ensure that he followed his father as emperor, and he proceeded once on the throne to expand his empire greatly by means of bloody battles and ruthless suppression of any who failed to obey him. He seems to have tired of killing around 250 BC and then blossomed into the great ruler who deserves our memory and respect. His laws encouraging vegetarianism, forbidding the unnecessary killing of animals, setting up universities and hospitals and founding Buddhist temples across his empire can still be read and admired carved on large stones across his lands. Ashoka was great both as an empire builder and then again as a social reformer - a rare combination indeed.
1. Explain the phrase 'keep out of the limelight'.
2. Name two things that made Ashoka a good leader.