Kalashoka

A major figure in ancient Indian history, Kalasoka was the ruler of the Mauryan dynasty in the 3rd century BC. He succeeded Bindusara as the monarch of the Mauryan Empire and was a subsidiary figure in the line of Mauryan rulers. However, historical records of the Kalashoka are scarce, and much of what is known about it comes from limited sources and historical accounts. His reign is often known as a transitional period in the history of the Mauryan Empire. Despite the lack of comprehensive information, the role of Kalasoka in the Mauryan dynasty and the subsequent historical development remain important aspects of ancient Indian history.

Kalashoka

Historical Figures	Kalashoka
Reign	Approx. 395–367 BC
Dynasty	Sisunaga Dynasty
Region	Magadha (Modern-day Bihar)
Significance	Mentioned in Buddhist texts, notably the Mahavamsa, as an adversary of Buddhism
Notable Events	Known for his piety and Buddhist leanings
Legacy	Known for his opposition to Buddhism and association with a period of decline for the faith in parts of India
Predecessor	Sisunaga
Successor	Nandivardhan

Introduction

Kalashoka, or Kakavarna, was the son and successor of Sisunaga. He divided his kingdom among his ten sons and crowned his ninth son, Nandivardhana, as the king of Magadha. Kalashóka’s government is mostly unknown. He served as the Viceroy of Varanasi (Kashi) during his father Shishunaga’s reign.

Explanation of the Puranas about Kalasoka

According to the Puranas, Shishunaga was succeeded by his son Kakavarna and, according to the Sinhala chronicles, by his son Kalashoka.

Ashokavadana Explanation of Kalasoka

Based on the evidence of Ashokavadana, Hermann Jacobi, Wilhelm Geiger, and Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar concluded that Kakavarna and Kalašhoka are both the same. He was the governor of Varanasi during the reign of Sisunaga. The two most significant events of his reign were the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali in 383 BC and the final transfer of the capital to Pataliputra. According to Buddhist tradition, he had nine or ten sons who were banished by Ugrasena Nanda

Harshacharita’s explanation of Kalasoka

According to Harshacharita, he was killed by a dagger thrust into his neck near his capital.

Kalashoka’s rule

Sisunaga transferred the capital of Magadha to Vaishali. Kalashóka succeeded his father, Sisunaga. Kalasoka again transferred the capital to Pataliputra. According to Buddhist literature, the Second Buddhist Council held 100 years after Lord Gautam Buddha‘s Maha Parinirvana in Vaishali, was sponsored by King Kalashoka. But despite King Kalashoka’s best efforts, differences among Buddhists persisted. He divided his kingdom among his ten sons, who ruled simultaneously.

King Kalasoka

In the Magadha dynasty, Kalashoka was an ancient Buddhist king of Pushpapuri (Peshawar). Kalasoka was king for 28 years. Sisunaga shifted the capital of Magadha to Vaishali. Kalashoka succeeded Sisunaga, his father. Kalasoka again moved the capital to Pataliputra. According to Buddhist scriptures, King Kalasoka was the sponsor of the Second Buddhist Council, which was convened in Vaishali 100 years after the Maha Parinirvana of the Lord Buddha.

Despite King Kalasoka’s best efforts, however, Buddhist differences persisted.

He divided his dominions among his 10 sons, who ruled at the same time. Apart from the Second Buddhist Council, which took place during his reign in about 383 BC, his reign will be known for the pivotal episode of the definitive transfer of the capital of Magadhan to Pataliputra (modern Patna), a fortified city once built by Ajatashatra and his son Udaya. It was a period of rapid Magadhan development, and the Kalashoka had to maintain the existing administrative and military organization, which included the four conventional units of cavalry, chariots, infantry, and elephants. According to ancient lists, Kalašóka had ten sons, but no specifics are recorded about them. The Sisunaga dynasty ended when Kalashoka was brutally murdered. He is said to be the founder of the Nanda dynasty.

Conquest of Kalashoka

Sisunaga’s son, Kalashoka, followed, although nothing is known of his military exploits. Above all, he must have been basking in the glory of his father’s victory. Kalašóka had eleven sons who succeeded him, but records are few. Instead of appointing one capable brother to the throne, they should have divided the country between them. The empire was greatly weakened in the following years and quickly disintegrated.

King Kalasoka and the Second Buddhist Council

Held in 383 BC at Vaishali, a village in Bihar, under the patronage of King Kalasoka Sabakami, who presided over the event. His main objective was to discuss the 10 disputed questions in the Vinaya Pitaka. It was then that the Buddhist part split for the first time. Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism were two groups that emerged. The first group, known as Thera (Pali for elder), were elderly people who tried to preserve the Buddha’s teachings in their original form. The Mahasanghika (Great Community) was a more liberal sect than the Theravadins and liberally interpreted the Buddha’s teachings.

Significance of Kalasoka’s Reign

His reign will be known for the pivotal episode of the definitive transfer of the Magadhan capital to Pataliputra (modern Patna), a fortified city originally built by Ajatashatru and his son Udaya. It was a period of rapid Magadhan development. The Kalashoka had to maintain the existing administrative and military organization, which included the four conventional units of cavalry, chariots, infantry, and elephants. Besides, Buddhist councils were held during his reign.

Conclusion

Kalashoka was an ancient Buddhist king of Pushpapuri during the Magadha (Peshawar) dynasty. King Kalasoka ruled for 28 years. King Kalasoka was the patron of the Second Buddhist Council, which, according to Buddhist scriptures, met in Vaishali 100 years after the Lord Buddha’s Maha Parinirvana. When Kalashoka was mercilessly killed, the Sisunaga dynasty came to an end.

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