The Nine Unknown Men of Ashoka – Ancient Secret Society or Historical Truth?
India, the land of mythologies and mysteries, is home to several ancient legends that continue to baffle historians and researchers. Among the most intriguing of these is the legend of the Nine Unknown Men—a secret society allegedly founded over 2,000 years ago by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty.
But what exactly is this legend? Did such a society truly exist, safeguarding powerful and dangerous knowledge for the benefit of humanity? Or is it merely a myth, a story born from folklore and imagination? Let’s dive deep into this captivating tale and separate the facts from fiction.
Who Was Emperor Ashoka?
To understand the origin of the Nine Unknown Men, one must first look at the life and transformation of Emperor Ashoka (304–232 BCE), one of India’s greatest rulers. After the brutal Kalinga War, which caused the death of over 100,000 people, Ashoka experienced a profound change of heart. He embraced Buddhism and vowed to renounce violence, dedicating his life to the spread of peace, dharma (righteousness), and knowledge.
According to the legend, it was during this transformation that Ashoka created the society of the Nine Unknown Men, tasked with preserving secret knowledge that could be catastrophic if misused.
The Purpose of the Nine Unknown Men
The Nine Unknown Men were said to be entrusted with guarding books of great scientific and spiritual knowledge—wisdom that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Each man was reportedly the custodian of a specific field of expertise.
The Nine Books – A Glimpse Into Forbidden Knowledge
- Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: Techniques to manipulate mass opinion and control thought. Similar to today’s advertising and political strategies.
- Physiology: Advanced studies of the human body, including techniques that could kill with a touch (reminiscent of ancient martial arts).
- Microbiology: Knowledge of germs and biotechnology, supposedly centuries before Western science discovered it.
- Alchemy: Secrets of transmuting metals and possibly creating advanced materials or even nuclear energy.
- Communication: Methods of communication, including telepathy and cryptography.
- Gravity and Anti-Gravity: The science behind gravity manipulation and possibly Vimana (ancient flying machines).
- Cosmology: Advanced astronomy and understanding of the universe.
- Light: Manipulation of light, optics, invisibility and lasers.
- Sociology: Rules for the evolution of societies and how civilizations can be influenced or destroyed.
These books were not only scientific but also spiritual in nature, blending ancient Indian wisdom with futuristic insights. The knowledge was deemed too powerful for common people and even governments. Hence, the need to keep it hidden.
Where Did This Story Come From?
The first public mention of the Nine Unknown Men came in 1923 through the writings of Talcott Parsons, a sociologist who referenced the secret society in his works. However, it was the French writer Louis Jacolliot and later Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier in their 1960 book “The Morning of the Magicians” who popularized the tale in the West.
According to them, the Nine Unknown Men still exist, transferring their knowledge to chosen successors through generations, working behind the scenes for the good of the world.
Modern-Day Sightings and Claims
Many researchers and conspiracy theorists claim that the Nine Unknown Men are still alive today—scattered across the globe but connected through secret networks. Some believe that certain scientific breakthroughs (like atomic energy, aviation, and even AI) have been quietly influenced by this secret society.
Others claim that notable figures in Indian history—like Vikram Sarabhai, Jagadish Chandra Bose, or APJ Abdul Kalam—might have had access to such secret knowledge or were influenced by members of this ancient society.
Link with Vimana Shastra and Ancient Technology
The Vaimanika Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on flying machines, is sometimes associated with the Nine Unknown Men. This text details the construction and propulsion of Vimanas—mythical aircraft mentioned in ancient Indian epics.
While mainstream historians label the text as a 20th-century creation, many believe it could be a small fragment of the hidden technologies preserved by the Nine Unknown Men.
Real or Imagined? The Debate Continues
There is no concrete archaeological or historical evidence proving the existence of the Nine Unknown Men. Most references are anecdotal, speculative, or sourced from fringe literature. However, the legend persists, and new theories continue to emerge.
Some scholars suggest the legend was fabricated during the colonial era to mystify Indian knowledge. Others believe it was intentionally suppressed by rulers or colonizers to prevent rebellion fueled by ancient secrets.
Pop Culture References
Several movies, books, and even comic books have explored the idea of the Nine Unknown Men:
- Dan Brown’s books often hint at secret societies with hidden knowledge, though not specifically Indian.
- TV shows like Ancient Aliens and documentaries on History Channel have explored this mystery.
- Indian web series are beginning to touch on the concept, bringing it to new audiences.
In a world where fiction and fact often blur, stories like these fuel our imagination and hint at the untapped potential of ancient wisdom.
Why The Legend Still Matters
Whether real or fictional, the story of the Nine Unknown Men highlights the timeless value placed on knowledge, ethics, and responsibility. It’s a reminder that power without wisdom is dangerous and that some truths might be too powerful for our current civilization to handle.
Final Thoughts
So, were the Nine Unknown Men real? The historical jury is still out. But the legend raises important questions:
- How much of our ancient knowledge has been lost—or hidden?
- Are there individuals or societies who guard secret wisdom even today?
- Could ancient India have been far more advanced than we’ve been taught?
The mystery of the Nine Unknown Men continues to intrigue researchers, writers, and curious minds across the world. Whether myth or reality, the story reminds us of the enduring power of knowledge and the eternal battle between good and evil, wisdom and ignorance.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe in the existence of the Nine Unknown Men? Could they still be protecting humanity from secrets too dangerous to share?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media with your theory!