08 The Last Years

This covers the death of his beloved queen Asandhimittā (yr 29), the rise of his jealous consort Tiṣyarakṣitā (yr 32), and her destruction of the sacred Bodhi-tree (yr 34). Northern sources recount court intrigue involving his son Kuṇāla and his own loss of power, culminating in his death (yr 37). His demise led to a disputed succession and the rapid fragmentation of his once-mighty empire.