Chapter 86: The Return of the Southern Kings and a Discussion of the World’s Powerful Empires

It had been several weeks since the Southern Kings—King Rajasimha of the Cheras, King Mudhiran of the Pandiyas, and King Rajendra Chola of the Cholas—had departed from Pataliputra, leaving Ashoka's grand capital with both awe and apprehension in their hearts. The journey back to their respective kingdoms was long and arduous, but it gave them time to reflect on the monumental things they had witnessed. The grand roads, the thriving cities, the vast imperial bureaucracy, and most strikingly, Ashoka's vision of the world—all these things had left an indelible mark on the kings.

Upon their return to the southern regions, the three kings convened at the Chera kingdom's royal palace. The meeting was arranged by King Rajasimha, who felt that the time had come to discuss what they had seen in Pataliputra. The weight of Ashoka's power and influence was on their minds, and they could not ignore the vastness of his empire. It was clear to them that they were no longer rulers of mere regional powers, but small entities within a much larger and more interconnected world.

The Meeting Begins

King Rajasimha of the Cheras, a ruler known for his wisdom, sat at the head of the grand table, his eyes reflecting both the challenges and the weight of the decision that lay ahead. King Mudhiran, the thoughtful Pandya king, and King Rajendra Chola, a more aggressive ruler with an eye for expansion, joined him. They all looked toward Rajasimha, awaiting his words.

"My friends," King Rajasimha began, his voice steady but heavy with thought, "what we have seen in Pataliputra has shaken the very core of our understanding of the world. Ashoka's empire is not just an Indian kingdom—it is a force that stretches across the subcontinent and beyond. The roads, the cities, the education system—everything about it speaks of an empire that is both prosperous and ambitious. But more than that, we must acknowledge the fact that Ashoka's reach is not limited to our lands. The world, as he showed us, is far bigger than we ever imagined."

King Mudhiran, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Indeed, Rajasimha. When Ashoka unrolled the world map, showing us the lands beyond the Indian subcontinent, it was as though the very earth itself had expanded. We are but small kingdoms on a map of seven continents. We were told of the mighty empires that exist beyond our shores—empires whose influence and power rival that of Ashoka's own. I had no idea that the world could be so vast."

The World Beyond the Subcontinent

King Rajendra Chola, who had been silent until now, leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "What concerned me most was not just the map itself, but the empires that Ashoka spoke of. The Greeks in the west, the Persians, the Mauryas themselves—these are the empires that we have heard of in tales. But Ashoka spoke of more—of faraway lands with power, wealth, and armies. We are not the only ones with ambition, it seems."

King Rajasimha nodded solemnly. "Indeed. We know of the Seleucid Empire to the northwest, whose power once rivaled the Mauryas. Their territories are vast, stretching across what we call Persia and beyond. And there is the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, stretching from the north of India into the steppes of Central Asia. Their influence is felt far and wide. Even the Parthians to the west—who we've only heard whispers of—hold territories that dwarf our own. Ashoka spoke of their strength, and we cannot ignore their existence."

King Mudhiran furrowed his brow. "And what of the empires in the east? Ashoka mentioned the Chinese kingdoms—what is the truth of this?"

King Rajendra Chola responded, his voice firm. "The Chinese are not to be underestimated. Ashoka did not speak of them in detail, but we know that the Qin and Han dynasties rule over vast lands in the east. Their armies are formidable, and their resources vast. We are a long way from them, but we cannot afford to ignore their potential influence on our future."

King Rajasimha let out a deep sigh. "There are also the nomadic empires to the north—the Scythians, who roam the steppes of Central Asia. We've heard that they are powerful in their own way, though they are not yet as organized as the Mauryas or the Greeks. Their military strength, however, is something we must not overlook."

The Growing Fear of Southern Kingdoms

The conversation took a more somber turn as the kings began to reflect on their own kingdoms and their place in this vast, interconnected world.

King Mudhiran spoke slowly. "Ashoka's empire is a behemoth. His infrastructure, his bureaucracy, and his army—there is no kingdom in the south that can stand against him. His roads reach into the very heart of our lands, and his influence spreads like a web across the subcontinent. If he wishes to expand southward, what could we possibly do to stop him?"

King Rajendra Chola, ever the strategist, replied, "We cannot fight the Mauryas directly—not now, not with the forces they have at their disposal. We must think differently. We must consider how we can maintain our independence while ensuring that we are not swallowed up by Ashoka's ambitions. Diplomacy will be key."

Rajasimha, with a look of concern on his face, turned to his fellow kings. "We are at a crossroads. Ashoka is not only a threat; he is an opportunity. If we choose to align ourselves with him, we could benefit from his roads, his knowledge, and his prosperity. But if we refuse him, we risk being consumed by his might. The question is, do we have the strength to stand on our own, or do we join this great empire for the sake of our people?"

The Dilemma of the Southern Kings

The three kings sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The grandeur of Ashoka's empire, the might of the world powers, and the uncertain future of their kingdoms weighed heavily on them. They knew that their decisions would not only shape the future of their kingdoms but would also determine their place in the larger world order.

King Rajasimha finally broke the silence. "We must be wise in our choices. Ashoka is a great leader, but we must remember that we are leaders of our people too. We cannot lose sight of our own identity and independence. Let us continue to observe and wait for the right moment to make our move."

King Mudhiran nodded. "Agreed. We must tread carefully, for the future is uncertain. But we must also be ready for whatever may come."

King Rajendra Chola added, "Let us keep our options open. If Ashoka truly wishes to form alliances with us, then we must consider it—but we must also be ready to defend our kingdoms if needed."

The three kings agreed to keep their counsel and discuss their next steps in the coming months. The world outside their borders was vast, and their place in it was uncertain. But for now, they would hold onto their power, protect their kingdoms, and await Ashoka's next move.

The conversation ended, but the shadows of doubt and fear lingered in the minds of the southern kings. Would they choose to align with Ashoka's Maurya Empire, or would they stand firm and risk everything to preserve their independence?

As the kings prepared to leave the council chamber, the future of the southern kingdoms hung in the balance, shaped by the rise of the Maurya Empire and the mighty forces of the world beyond the Indian subcontinent.