Chandi-Ashok, the fearsome and loathsome destroyer of Kalinga, or the Dhamma-Ashok, the upholder of justice and equity

Chandi-Ashok, the fearsome and loathsome destroyer of Kalinga, or the Dhamma-Ashok, the upholder of justice and equity 

This distant tragedy is both germane to and with far reaching implications for  Non-Violent people’s movements all over India, but particularly in the Mineral rich Belt of Dandkaaranya, for protecting livelihoods and dispossession from land and other natural resources (Jal, Jamin aur Jungle – Water, Land and Forests), and how the Indian State chooses to deal with it. Till now it has chosen to deal with disproportionate & brutal force these peaceful struggles. Unfortunately, Indian State has a very rich & colourful legacy to fall back upon. 

Mahabharat has a story of how Khandav Van, in the vicinity of present day Delhi – the seat of power, was destroyed for growth & development (GDP) by the then Kuru dynasty. Kuru, an invading clan, had a ongoing feud with Naga people (indigenous tribes of India), who resisted their unwanted, forceful & bloody encroachment. 

Arjuna and Krishna burn the Khandav  van, laughing merrily as they do so while causing death & destruction of humans, animals, forests and water bodies. Is that going to be the role model for today’s Bharatvarsha? Republic of India adopted as its state emblem the seal of Emperor Ashoka. Whether this emblem represents deeds of the Chandi-Ashok, the fearsome & loathsome destroyer of Kalinga, or the Dhamma-Ashok, the upholder of justice & equity, is the epochal question.