Chapter 8: India's Great Civilization "King Asoka" Introduction      You have learned about the good king Asoka who was said to rule the Mauryan Empire in India's ancient past. Did you know, however, that at one time historians questioned whether he really existed or was only a myth? Review the evidence at the following Web site. Destination Title: The Edicts of King Asoka Web site Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at The Edicts of King Asoka Web site. Scroll down the Web page, reading and analyzing the information about King Asoka. Answer the following questions. 1. Why weren't the stories of the good king Asoka taken seriously at first? 2. Why was King Asoka eventually declared to be a real historical figure? 3. What was the purpose of Asoka's stone pillars? 4. The text says that evidence qualifies Asoka "to be ranked as one of the greatest rulers." Do you agree or disagree? Explain.