Susima

Susima Maurya (also Sushima) was the Crown prince of the Maurya Empire of ancient India and the eldest son and heir-apparent of the second Mauryan emperor Bindusara. He was next in line for his father's throne, but was killed in a succession conflict by his younger half-brother, Ashoka, who eventually succeeded Bindusara as the third Mauryan emperor. Susima was born to Bindusara and his chief queen, Charumitra. He had several younger half-siblings, including Ashoka, who was born to Bindusara's second wife, Subhadrangi. Susima was well-educated and trained in the arts of war and statecraft. He was also a skilled archer and horseman. When Bindusara fell ill in the 270s BCE, Susima was the clear heir to the throne. However, Ashoka was a popular figure among the army and the people. He also had the support of Bindusara's chief minister, Radhagupta. After Bindusara's death, a succession conflict broke out between Susima and Ashoka. Ashoka was able to defeat Susima's forces and claim the throne for himself. Susima was killed in the fighting.