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Whisper of the Rock Elephant: Ashoka and the Kalinga war

Author: Indramani Jena

350.00

The ‘Whisper of the Rock Elephant‘ is an untold tale from the shadowy pages of ancient history, where an Emperor, having beheaded and captured a vast army from a neighbouring kingdom, foresaw the dangers of his power. His realization of the need to devote his life and wealth to the propagation of truth and righteousness led to a profound transformation, turning him away from conquest. The devastated land was Kalinga, a state whose people, known for their free spirit, refused to surrender. 1Much of what is known about this dark period is a mix of fact and imagination, better conveyed through the whisper of Seto, the rock elephant carved from a hill beside the battlefield. Seto is said to possess divine power, like a Buddha enlightened even before birth, and is believed to be a heavenly creature belonging to Lord Indra, ruler of the heavens. These whispers passed down through generations, provide a unique perspective on the events of that time. Seto’s whispers reveal more than the victorious Emperor Piyadasi’s words in his Kandahar rock edict. The Proclamation expresses his guilt over the bloodshed and his transformation towards piety and Dhamma. His remorse was inscribed across India and beyond on rock surfaces, alongside pillars and monuments engraved with ancient scripts. Seto speaks of the deeper cause of the Emperor’s remorse-a sorrow that led him to follow Tathagata Buddha. From Kalinga’s battlefield enlightenment took root in the Emperor’s mind, persistently pinning and guiding him towards righteousness.

Through this story, readers can discover the invisible ray of humanity pierced through the darkness, settling the turmoil within the Emperor whenever inhumanity threatened to unsettle him.

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About the Author

Dr. Indramani Jena, a distinguished medical professional and accomplished author, was born in 1948 in a region flanked by the historic Hathigumpha Rock Edicts of Khandagiri and Udayagiri and the Kalinga Rock Edicts of Dhauli Hill. He has made significant contributions to medicine and literature, with much of his vision drawing from obscure periods of history known primarily through epigraphic evidence. In medicine, Dr. Jena holds an M.D. in Internal Medicine and has earned a stellar reputation for his expertise. His literary endeavours have similarly garnered widespread admiration. His writings often reflect a deep understanding of human nature. His English publication, Salabhanjika, offers readers a unique perspective on a patriotic Emperor, blending history with creativity. Dr. Jena is also a prolific writer in the Odia language, having authored numerous books, including Nisardha Salabhanjika, Ei Matira Kahani, Digvijayee Gajapati, Fakkad, Bebhara and Trushna. Since 2014, he has served as the editor of the popular theme-based magazine, Bijoyini, a platform for exploring diverse topics and ideas. Dr. Jena’s literary pursuits extend to editorial work, including titles like Ama Chalani Ama Chamaka. These works highlight his editorial skills his deep commitment to preserving and promoting Odia literature, a testament to his dedication to his cultural heritage. Dr. Indramani Jena’s illustrious career as both a medical professional and a literary figure is a sign of his versatility and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world. His dedication to enriching society through knowledge and storytelling is evident in his ability to excel in both fields, leaving a lasting impression on those he encounters.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Eagle Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 4 November 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645606066
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645606062
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 295 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.97 x 1.32 x 21.59 cm
  • Importer ‏ : ‎ Bookswagon, 2/13 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002, Sales@bookswagon.com , 01140159253
  • Packer ‏ : ‎ Bookswagon, 2/13 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002, Sales@bookswagon.com , 01140159253

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