Susima

Susima
Predecessor	Bindusara
Born	prior to 304 BCE Pataliputra, Patna
Died	274-270 BCE
House	Maurya
Father	Bindusara

Maurya Empire in 3rd century BCE

Susima (also spelt Sushim or Sushima; c. 304 – c. 274–270 BCE) was a royal prince of Mauryan empire, half-brother of Ashoka and eldest son of Emperor Bindusara. He was in line for Bindusara's throne, but was assassinated by Ashoka c. 274-270 BCE.

Career as a Governor

Susima had several younger siblings, his half-brothers from other wives of Bindusara. He had been the viceroy/governor to Takshashila during the reign of his father Bindusara as his younger brother Ashoka was to Ujjain.

The Maurya Empire was divided into four provinces, which one of the four, look like a giant crescents with the imperial capital at Pataliputra. From Ashoka's edicts, the names of the four provincial capitals are Tosali (in the east), Ujjain in the west, Suvarnagiri (in the south), and Takshashila (in the north). The head of the provincial administration was the royal prince, who governed the provinces as the emperor's representative. The prince was assisted by Mahamatyas and Council of Ministers. This organizational structure was reflected at the imperial level with the Emperor and his Council of Ministers.

Divyavadana refers to Ashoka putting down a conflict in Ujjain due to activities of some wicked ministers. This may have been a suppression of a revolt in Bindusara's time, but some historians consider this as a part of Bindusara's conquest of the Deccan. Following this Ashoka was stationed at Ujjain as governor.

It is said that a popular revolt occurred at Takshashila during Susima's time as the Governor which has been blamed upon his administration. However, this was quelled by Emperor Bindusara. Another revolt at Takshashila (the reason for the second revolt is unknown, but Bindusara could not suppress it in his lifetime) is said to have been crushed by Ashoka after Bindusara's death.

Civil war after Bindusara's death

Bindusara's death in 273 BCE led to a civil war over succession. According to Divyavadana, Bindusara wanted Susima to succeed him but Ashoka was supported by his father's ministers. A minister named Radhagupta seems to have played an important role in this succession. One of the Ashokavandana states that Ashoka managed to become the Emperor by getting rid of the legitimate heir to the throne, by tricking him into entering a pit filled with live coals.

The Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa refer to Ashoka killing 6 of his brothers, sparing only one, named Tissa. Although there is no clear proof about this incident. The coronation of Ashoka only happened in 269 BCE, four years after his succession to the throne.

Cultural depictions

• Ajith Kumar portrayed Susima in the 2001 Bollywood film Aśoka.
• Sumedh Mudgalkar played the role of Susima in the Colors TV serial Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat.