Question

Read more about the life of Emperor Ashoka and make a presentation based on it in the form of a play.

Answer 1

Play: The Life of Emperor Ashoka

Title: "The Transformation of Emperor Ashoka"

Scene 1: Ashoka’s Early Life

• Setting: The Mauryan Palace.
• Dialogue:
  1. Bindusara: "Ashoka, you are brave and intelligent. One day, you will rule this great empire."
  2. Advisor: "Prince Ashoka has shown great skills in war and administration, Your Majesty."

Action: Show Ashoka learning the art of war and administration.

Scene 2: The Kalinga War

• Setting: The battlefield.
• Dialogue:
  1. Ashoka: "Soldiers! We must conquer Kalinga at all costs!"
  2. Soldier: "Victory is ours, my lord, but thousands have perished."

Action: Show the horrors of war, with soldiers and citizens suffering.

Scene 3: Ashoka’s Transformation

• Setting: Ashoka’s palace after the war.
• Dialogue:
  1. Ashoka: "The sight of the battlefield haunts me. So much death, so much suffering. Was this victory worth it?"
  2. Buddhist Monk: "Peace and compassion are greater than any war. Embrace the teachings of Buddha."

Action: Show Ashoka renouncing violence and adopting Buddhism.

Scene 4: Ashoka’s Reign of Peace

• Setting: The Mauryan Empire.
• Dialogue:
  1. Ashoka: "I will spread the message of non-violence and dharma across my empire."
  2. Citizen: "Long live Emperor Ashoka, the compassionate ruler!"

Action: Show Ashoka building stupas, sending missionaries, and inscribing edicts promoting peace.