The Nine Unknown Men: Secret Society

Emperor Ashoka’s remorse after the Kalinga War allegedly birthed one of history’s most enduring mysteries. In 273 BCE, he’s said to have formed the Nine Unknown Men, a secret society tasked with protecting humanity from its own dangerous discoveries. Each member supposedly guards a book containing forbidden knowledge that could reshape civilization. Whether they’ve influenced major technological breakthroughs or prevented global catastrophes remains an open question that’s captivated investigators for centuries.

Introduction

Legend speaks of a secret society so powerful that it has shaped the course of human history for over two millennia. The Nine Unknown Men allegedly formed in 273 BCE when Emperor Ashoka of India established this clandestine group following his violent conquest of Kalinga. Horrified by the war’s devastation, Ashoka tasked nine brilliant scholars with safeguarding dangerous knowledge that could destroy humanity if misused.

Each member guards one book containing secrets about specific disciplines—from propaganda and microbiology to time travel and alien contact. They’ve supposedly operated in absolute secrecy, recruiting successors before death to maintain their eternal vigil. While mainstream historians dismiss the society as myth, believers claim its members have prevented countless catastrophes by controlling humanity’s access to advanced technology and forbidden wisdom.

Emperor Ashoka’s Ancient Founding

After witnessing the carnage of the Kalinga War that claimed over 100,000 lives, Emperor Ashoka underwent a profound transformation that would reshape both his empire and allegedly spawn history’s most secretive organization. Around 270 BCE, the remorseful emperor supposedly established the Nine Unknown Men, tasking them with safeguarding dangerous knowledge that could destroy humanity if misused.

He’d selected nine brilliant scholars, each assigned to compile and protect a specific book covering disciplines from propaganda to microbiology. These men weren’t just guardians—they’d actively develop their fields while ensuring the knowledge remained hidden from those who’d weaponize it. Ashoka believed humanity wasn’t ready for certain discoveries. His secret council would operate from the shadows, recruiting successors before death, maintaining an unbroken chain spanning over two millennia.

Notable Cases or Sightings

Throughout history, several prominent figures have claimed encounters with or knowledge of the Nine Unknown Men, lending credibility to what many dismiss as myth. Pope Sylvester II allegedly received secret mathematical texts from the society during his travels to India in the 10th century. French author Louis Jacolliot documented the group’s existence in his 1860s writings, describing their advanced scientific knowledge that surpassed contemporary understanding.

In 1923, Talbot Mundy’s novel brought renewed attention when he claimed it wasn’t fiction but based on genuine encounters. Indian scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose reportedly declined membership in 1899, while nuclear physicist Vikram Sarabhai’s sudden technological breakthroughs in the 1960s sparked rumors of the society’s intervention. These accounts, though unverified, continue fueling speculation about the Nine Unknown Men’s ongoing influence.

Common Theories or Explanations

While skeptics attribute the Nine Unknown Men legend to colonial-era romanticism about India’s mystical past, believers offer several compelling theories about the society’s true nature. Some researchers propose they’re descendants of Ashoka’s original council, maintaining an unbroken lineage through careful succession. Others suggest they’ve evolved into a rotating body of scientists and scholars from various nations, adapting to modern times while preserving ancient wisdom.

A popular theory links them to documented secret societies like the Illuminati or Freemasons, arguing they’re the original template for such organizations. Conspiracy theorists claim they’re actively suppressing revolutionary technologies that could destabilize global power structures. Meanwhile, occultists believe they’re spiritual adepts who’ve achieved extended lifespans through yogic practices, allowing them to personally safeguard their knowledge across centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are New Members Chosen When One of the Nine Dies?

When a member dies, the remaining eight Unknown Men supposedly select a replacement through secret methods. They’d choose someone with exceptional knowledge and absolute trustworthiness. The selection process’s exact details remain completely unknown to outsiders.

What Specific Books or Knowledge Does Each Member Supposedly Guard?

Each member allegedly guards one book containing specific knowledge: propaganda, physiology, microbiology, alchemy, communication, gravity, cosmology, light, and sociology. They’ve supposedly protected these nine books of dangerous scientific and mystical knowledge since Emperor Ashoka’s reign.

Have Any Former Members Ever Revealed the Society’s Secrets Publicly?

No verified former members have ever come forward to reveal the society’s secrets publicly. The Nine Unknown Men’s existence remains purely legendary, with no documented cases of anyone claiming authentic membership or exposing their supposed knowledge.

What Languages or Codes Do the Nine Unknown Men Use to Communicate?

Legends don’t specify exact languages or codes the Nine Unknown Men use. Some accounts suggest they’d employ ancient Sanskrit, mathematical ciphers, or telepathic communication to guard their secrets. No verified evidence exists of their actual communication methods.

Are There Any Known Symbols or Emblems Associated With the Group?

No verified symbols or emblems exist for the Nine Unknown Men. Some sources claim they’ve used ancient Sanskrit characters or geometric patterns resembling mandalas, but these remain unsubstantiated speculation within conspiracy theories and fictional accounts.