Did Devi Helena Actually Hatch a Plan with Her Father to Destroy Bindusara?

In the historical fiction series Ashoka, Devi Helena, the Greek ambassador's daughter, is portrayed as having a complex and possibly malevolent relationship with her father, potentially involving secret conspiracies against her husband, Bindusara. This depiction adds a dramatic element to the narrative but is largely fictional and not based on historical evidence.

Chandragupta and Helena: A Historical Overview

Around 321–319 BCE, Seleucus and Apama’s daughter, named Apama (also referred to as Helena), was born. At the age of 16–18, she married Chandragupta, who formed the foundation of the Maurya Empire. Chandragupta, the founder of this empire, was already in his 30s when he married Helena. Their marriage in 305 BCE was a significant alliance between the Maurya and the Seleucid Empire.

Helena and Chandragupta were married just as their eldest son, Samrat, was born. Despite the age difference, the couple maintained a loving and harmonious relationship. Helena gave birth to Chandragupta's children and held a good relationship with Bindusara, who became the Crown Prince. Chandragupta named Bindusara as his successor in the same year that his eldest son was born.

Personal Interactions: Due to Chandragupta's expansive reign,Bindusara spent much of his time governing in various provinces, leading to infrequent meetings with Helena. When Bindusara did visit her, it was on rare occasions. Helena's life with Chandragupta was marked by loyalty and respect. She remained a happy and devoted wife until her husband's death.

After Chandragupta's Death

Following Chandragupta's death, Helena was honored as a royal princess of the Seleucid Empire and as a legitimate queen to her father, Seleucus. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Helena created any problems for Bindusara. In fact, Helena's relationship with her younger brother, who became the king of Syria, Antiochus Soter, was amiable. Bindusara maintained a good relationship with his mother and, by extension, his mother's family.

In summary, the complex relationship portrayed in Ashoka, wherein Devi Helena hatched plans to undermine her husband, is a narrative device designed to add intrigue and conflict to the storyline. While this portrayal may attract audiences, it should be viewed as a fiction rather than a factual account of historical events. The historical context of Helena's life is complex, with limited documentation available, making her true influence on political events unclear.