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In fact Asoka was greatly influenced by the humane teaching of the Jinas."
Samprati was the immediate successor of Asoka, and was a great patron of Jainism. With the true spirit of a Jain he wielded the sword to help the poor and the oppressed. He expanded the Mauryan empire beyond the borders of India and established centres of Jaina Culture in the countries of Arabia and Persia. He founded Jaina monastries in non-Aryans countries and sent out Jaina sages to propagate the Dharma there. He himself practised Jain rules in his after-life, like a true hero and worked hard for the uplifting of Jainism in various ways”.
He was succeeded bp Salisuka, who was also a great soldier. He conquered Saurastra (Gujarat) and preached Jainism far and wide.
Jainism, indeed, found great supporters from among the Mauryan emperors, who were not merely Heroes of War and State, but were conquerors in the realm of the spirit as well.
1. Indian Antiquary XX. 243; J. R. A. S., IX. 155
191; Jaina Antiquary, Vol. V Nos. 2-4 und Vol.
VI Nos. 1-3. 2. Enrly History of India. pp. 202-203. 3. Journal of the Bihar and Orissa Research Society,
Vol. XVI. 29.
