“In the history of the world there have been thousands of kings and emperors who called themselves ‘their highnesses,’ ‘their majesties’ and ‘their exalted majestics’ and so on. They shone for a brief moment and as quickly disappeared. But Ashoka shines and shines brightly like a bright star, even unto this day.”

Along with the edicts of Ashoka, his legend is related in the later 2nd century Asokavadana (Narrative of Ashoka) and Divyaradana (Divine narrative) and in the Sinhalese text Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle).

After two thousand years, the influence of Ashoka is seen in Asia and especially, the Indian sub-continent. An emblem excavated from his empire is today the national emblem of India. In the history of Buddhism Ashoka is situated next to Gautma Buddha.