Historical texts and ancient Buddhist chronicles, such as the Ashokavadana and the Mahavamsa, record that the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka had several wives and consorts throughout his life. Prominent historical texts explicitly name queens such as Devi (who was the mother of Mahindra and Sanghamitra), Asandhimitra (his chief consort), Tishyaraksha (noted in legends for her complex actions), and Padmavati. Polygamy was customary among ancient rulers, and these matrimonial alliances often helped secure political stability across the empire.