contemporary of Buddha; initially most powerful (kashi); map and kingdoms; which dynasty ruling at time of alexander invasion; ashoka referred by name (Priyadasi); pillars-polished, monolithic, tapering; which edict mentions personal name of Ashoka (Maski); social harmony > religious devotion; edict mentioning Sangam kings - 2 and 13; Kalinga annexed as it controlled land and sea route to SOUTH ndia; NAMASKAR-Nanda, Maurya, Sunga, Kanva, Andhras;