Exploring the Indian Legend and Lost Knowledge

The legend of the Nine Unknown Men centers on a secret society believed to have been established by Emperor Ashoka of India around 270 BCE. This group was said to consist of nine individuals entrusted with safeguarding advanced knowledge that could either greatly benefit or harm humanity. According to the stories, the disappearance of the Nine Unknown Men led to the loss of potentially transformative knowledge and technology that has never resurfaced.

Despite centuries of speculation and fascination, no direct historical evidence confirms the continued existence or activities of this secretive order. The enduring mystery of what truly happened to the Nine Unknown Men—and the secrets they may have protected—continues to captivate researchers, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

Origins of the Nine Unknown Men Legend

The legend of the Nine Unknown Men is rooted in a blend of history, folklore, and speculation. Accounts link this secret society to ancient Indian rulers, advanced knowledge, and the careful stewardship of powerful wisdom.

Ancient Indian Context

Ancient India featured a rich tradition of preserving and transmitting advanced science, hidden lore, and philosophy through selective guardianship. Knowledge in fields such as Hindu cosmology, alchemy, medicine, and warfare was considered both a blessing and a potential risk if mishandled.

Guardianship of important texts and wisdom was not unusual. Patrons and scholars often protected valuable manuscripts and ideas from potential misuse. Secret societies and exclusive councils sometimes oversaw these efforts, maintaining knowledge that was thought to be too dangerous or profound for the general population.

This context gave rise to stories of elite keepers—an idea central to the Nine Unknown Men legend. The belief was that only a select few had access to secrets that could profoundly affect life and society.

Role of Emperor Ashoka

Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE, is frequently named as the founder of the Nine Unknown Men. Historical records and legends indicate that after the bloody Kalinga War, Ashoka became deeply concerned with the ethical use of power and knowledge.

It is said that Ashoka established a clandestine council of nine experts, each tasked with safeguarding one critical branch of knowledge. These branches reportedly included propaganda, biology, alchemy, communication, and other sciences relevant to life, wisdom, and technology.

Ashoka’s motivation was to prevent catastrophic misuse of advanced science, whether in weaponry or influence over minds. By concentrating wisdom among trusted guardians, he aimed to protect both his kingdom and humanity from destructive potential.

Early References in Literature

Mentions of the Nine Unknown Men appear primarily in modern literature and 19th- to 20th-century writings. The legend gained significant attention internationally after Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier discussed it in “The Morning of the Magicians” (1960).

Prior to this, earlier references were rare and often anecdotal. Some writers claimed that hints of the society and its hidden books appeared in obscure Hindu texts or ancient Indian folklore, but there is scant direct evidence in classical sources.

The myth continues to intrigue researchers and enthusiasts, blending the fascination with lost wisdom, ancient science, and secret guardians. Lists and descriptions of the nine books attributed to the society were mostly compiled by later authors, further fueling the mystery.

The Secret Society’s Alleged Knowledge

The Nine Unknown Men are at the center of Indian legends about hidden wisdom and mysterious sciences protected from the public. Their collective reputation is tied to safeguarding knowledge considered too dangerous or disruptive for common use, covering both spiritual and technological secrets.

Compilation of Forbidden Sciences

Historical accounts and folklore suggest that the Nine Unknown Men amassed one of the largest collections of forbidden sciences in the ancient world. These sciences were said to include advanced technologies and methods not known to the wider public.

The group reportedly compiled secret manuals and texts on subjects such as alchemy, psychological warfare, and communication systems. These works were often described as highly advanced for their time, influencing both science and the occult.

Rumors claim that the secret society maintained these records over centuries, carefully updating them and passing them to trustworthy successors. This hidden lore formed the backbone of their continued influence throughout history.

Guardians of Dangerous Wisdom

The role of the Nine Unknown Men extended beyond discovery; they acted as strict custodians of their knowledge. They believed that some information could be catastrophic if misused. Their mission was to keep dangerous wisdom out of the hands of those who might weaponize it.

It’s said the society assessed threats and decided who, if anyone, could be entrusted with fragments of their knowledge. Legends say there were severe consequences for those who tried to steal or expose their secrets.

Their reputation led to many stories about encounter: scholars sometimes claimed to meet mysterious individuals warning them away from certain areas of inquiry. In these tales, the society was always one step ahead in protecting hidden truths.

Fields of Study Attributed to the Society

Traditionally, the Nine Unknown Men are each associated with a specialized field of knowledge. Some of the most frequently referenced topics include:

Field Example of Secret Knowledge Propaganda/Psychology Mind control, mass influence techniques Physiology Instant death or healing through touch Microbiology Weaponization and cures for diseases Alchemy Transformation of materials Communication Coded language, telepathy, advanced ciphers Gravitation Techniques for manipulating gravity Cosmology Hidden aspects of time, space, and energy Light Manipulation of light, invisibility Sociology Tools to shape and predict societal behavior

While some claims about these subjects border on myth or the occult, the continued allure of the legend highlights ongoing fascination with advanced science and secret wisdom from the ancient world.

The Nine Books of the Unknown

The legend of the Nine Unknown Men claims that a collection of nine secret books holds advanced knowledge meant to be kept away from those who might misuse it. These books are said to encompass wisdom covering topics far beyond their era.

Contents and Topics Explored

The contents of the Nine Books reportedly span distinct fields essential to both science and philosophy. Each book is believed to focus on a specific branch:

Propaganda: Techniques to influence thinking and opinion.
Physiology/Microbiology: Understanding human biology for healing or harm.
Microbiology: Techniques possibly describing biological warfare.
Alchemy/Transmutation of Metals: Methods for transforming substances, maybe even into gold.
Communication: Codes, languages, and mind-to-mind methods.
Gravitation: Insights into gravity, possibly including technological applications.
Cosmology/Light: The study of the universe and the manipulation of light.
Sociology: Detailed rules for societal functioning and group dynamics.
Alchemy/Tactics: Strategies of war and peace, possibly with advanced weaponry.

These areas reflect both practical and philosophical aspects, blending wisdom with advanced science. Legends suggest their contents could endanger or greatly benefit humanity if revealed.

Reputed Powers and Technologies

Accounts attribute remarkable abilities to the knowledge within these books. Some describe technologies centuries ahead of their time—such as mind control, communication without words, or weaponry far superior to common arms.

It is claimed that possession of these secrets could lead to control over natural forces like gravity, or facilitate instantaneous healing or destruction. Some traditions even link the books to the origins of scientific breakthroughs later rediscovered in modern times.

While direct evidence is lacking, stories persist that those who accessed such knowledge could influence the fate of nations. In popular culture, the Nine Books are sometimes depicted as ancient ebooks containing encoded wisdom, lost to history or hidden by design.

Influence Across Cultures and Eras

Stories of the Nine Unknown Men have moved well beyond the borders of India, sparking curiosity about their hidden knowledge and connecting with similar themes found in many world legends. Their supposed secrets have drawn comparisons to stories of lost civilizations, ancient libraries, and the mysterious societies of other cultures.

Comparisons With Other Ancient Secret Societies

The legend of the Nine Unknown Men often draws direct comparison to the fabled Priory of Sion and the Freemasons. Like these Western societies, the Nine Unknown are said to protect dangerous or powerful knowledge from misuse.

Some researchers note that their role in preserving "forbidden" texts echoes the myth of the Library of Alexandria, believed by some to have once housed knowledge lost after its destruction. Unlike the overt symbols and rituals of Western secret societies, the Nine Unknown Men remain nearly invisible, with almost no recorded actions or symbols. Their reputed secrecy is considered more absolute.

Comparisons to the guardians of Atlantis—the people said to have safeguarded advanced lore before the fall—are also frequent. In each case, there is a narrative of hidden wisdom preserved for the benefit, or protection, of humanity.

References in Global Literature

The Nine Unknown Men first entered Western popular literature through Talbot Mundy's 1923 novel "The Nine Unknown." Mundy portrayed the group as holding knowledge that rivals the greatest scientific advancements, influencing readers' fascination with the group's reach and mystery.

Later, this theme appeared in works across genres, from science fiction to speculative history. Their story is sometimes linked to lost texts like those from the Library of Alexandria, with suggestions that their books could reveal ancient technologies or lost sciences.

Authors have used the Nine Unknown to symbolize both hope and danger: hope that lost knowledge could better humanity, and fear that it might be misused if revealed. This dual image has kept the legend alive well beyond its original context.

Connection to the Occult and Mysticism

The narrative of the Nine Unknown Men often intersects with the traditions of occultism and mystical societies. Legends claim each of the nine guarded a book covering subjects from propaganda to alchemy, echoing occult traditions focused on secret initiation and layers of knowledge.

Some believe that ties exist between the group's supposed teachings and Eastern mystical practices, as well as with broader occult philosophies seen in Europe and the Middle East. Speculation also links their hidden books to ancient mysteries, similar to those rumored in arcane circles after the collapse of places like Atlantis or the burning of the Library of Alexandria.

While direct evidence of such links is lacking, claims of the Nine Unknown's influence persist, fueled by a global fascination with hidden and esoteric knowledge.

Historical Evidence and Archaeological Pursuits

Researchers and writers have sought to connect the legend of the Nine Unknown Men to documented evidence. Some efforts have focused on expeditions and academic investigations, while others have investigated physical sites and ancient artifacts in hopes of uncovering tangible traces.

Expeditions and Academic Investigations

Scholars have made several attempts to link the story of the Nine Unknown Men to real events or figures in history. In the 19th and 20th centuries, both Indian and foreign academics examined Ashoka's reign and scoured historical texts for references to secret societies. Despite their efforts, no verified documentation directly ties the concept of the Nine Unknown Men to Mauryan records.

Some expeditions have followed leads across India, from the libraries of Delhi to temple complexes near Pura, scrutinizing inscriptions and manuscripts for clues. A few researchers even broadened their search to regions beyond India, such as Sri Lanka. The potential for a connection with other repositories of lost knowledge, like the Library of Alexandria or Cahokia in North America, has been speculated in comparative studies, though evidence remains circumstantial.

Historical Sites and Artifacts

Archaeological investigations at historical sites linked to Ashoka’s era—such as ruins in northern India and the ancient city of Pura—have yet to reveal direct evidence of a secretive brotherhood. Structures, inscriptions, and relics from Ashoka’s time primarily focus on Buddhist teachings and imperial edicts. There are no authenticated artifacts or tablets that reference a group managing advanced or forbidden knowledge.

Efforts in Delhi and Sri Lanka have uncovered a range of Ashokan pillars and Buddhist stupas. These discoveries contribute significantly to understanding the Mauryan empire but have failed to confirm the existence of the Nine Unknown Men. No coded manuscripts or mysterious artifacts associated with the legend have been identified at these sites. While other famed locations of lost knowledge, such as the Library of Alexandria and Cahokia, inspire further comparison, parallels remain speculative and unsupported by archaeological evidence.

Modern Interpretations and Influence

Stories of the Nine Unknown Men continue to influence both modern literature and discussions around hidden or lost knowledge. Their legend remains a subject of fascination for writers, historians, and those interested in the occult.

Depictions in Contemporary Literature

The legend was revitalized for many Western readers by Talbot Mundy's 1923 novel The Nine Unknown, which presented the group as guardians of ancient and powerful secrets. This book popularized the concept in English-language fiction and contributed to ongoing interest in related themes.

Since Mundy's work, the Nine Unknown have appeared in various books, comics, and eBooks, often as shadowy protectors of hidden lore or as enigmatic figures linked to global mysteries. Novelists frequently blend myth with speculative history, giving the society new traits or purpose each time they are re-imagined.

Authors use the legend to explore ethical questions about dangerous knowledge and the tension between secrecy and disclosure. The group’s mystique is maintained through their infrequent and mysterious references in fiction, keeping the idea open for reinterpretation by new generations of writers.

Impact on Popular Occultism

In the context of occultism, the Nine Unknown Men are sometimes cited as a model for secret societies believed to hold and protect forbidden or advanced knowledge. Occult authors and practitioners mention the group when discussing hidden sources of wisdom outside mainstream tradition.

The legend contributes to conspiracy theories about lost ancient knowledge and secret powers guiding history. It often appears in discussions about cryptic texts, hidden technologies, and the unexplained disappearance of certain forms of wisdom from public consciousness.

Prominent occult-themed publications and online communities occasionally reference the Nine Unknown Men as examples of hidden lore, using their story to illustrate the persistent allure of undiscovered truths. This influence extends to non-fiction works that investigate the possibilities of esoteric societies shaping scientific and historical developments.

Debates and Skepticism

Many have questioned the historical accuracy and origins of the tale of the Nine Unknown Men. Discussions focus on the evidence for their existence, the feasibility of preserved secret knowledge, and the role of philosophy in ancient legends.

Scholarly Critiques

Academic researchers often point out that primary sources mentioning the Nine Unknown Men are absent from early Mauryan records. Most references appear in modern literature or folklore, raising doubts about their antiquity.

Historians sometimes highlight the lack of archaeological or textual proof for any "secret society" originating during Ashoka's reign. For example, the story's emergence in 20th-century novels and essays provides little direct evidence for its roots in actual history.

Philosophy scholars question whether such knowledge-preserving organizations were plausible within the context of ancient Indian educational systems. This skepticism is compounded by the tendency for legendary accounts to evolve over time, blending factual foundations with later inventions.

Skeptical Perspectives on the Legend

Skeptics argue that the legend of the Nine Unknown Men fits a broader pattern of ancient mysteries used to explain undocumented technological or philosophical advances.

They suggest the motif reflects a human tendency to attribute lost or advanced knowledge to secretive groups when actual historical explanations are lacking. No verifiable list of the supposed "nine books," or witness testimonies to these guardians, has been found by investigators.

Critics also point out that stories of concealed wisdom are common in many world cultures, not unique to India. This recurring narrative may say more about the allure of hidden knowledge than about any particular secret order existing in the time of Ashoka.

Socio-Cultural Impact of the Legend

The legend of the Nine Unknown Men has influenced social attitudes, intellectual curiosity, and national identity in India. Its legacy extends through oral traditions, literature, and discussions about scientific progress and cultural values.

Role in Indian Folklore and Storytelling

Stories about the Nine Unknown Men have circulated in Indian folklore for centuries. They often appear in tales told by families and shared among friends, shaping collective imagination. Many Indian girls and boys learn of the legend from elders, reinforcing cultural continuity and curiosity.

Hospitality traditions sometimes include sharing such stories with guests, emphasizing India’s respect for history and mystery. Themes of friendship and loyalty often emerge, as the men allegedly worked together to protect dangerous knowledge for the greater good.

Literary adaptations have appeared in novels, comics, and television series. These portrayals reflect how the legend merges elements of secrecy and wisdom with everyday life. The presence of the Nine Unknown in popular narratives also connects people across regions and generations.

Influence On Modern Science and Thought

The concept of hidden knowledge maintained by the Nine Unknown has inspired debate about the boundaries of scientific progress. Some compare the society’s focus on controlling dangerous information to modern concerns over ethical research and technology misuse.

Intellectual circles occasionally use the legend as a metaphor for scientific responsibility and the value of preserving critical knowledge. Certain Indian thinkers argue the story highlights the balance between knowledge-sharing and caution, relevant to biomedicine, nuclear science, and other fields.

Educators and writers reference the legend to spark discussion on the responsible use of discoveries that impact life and society. The tale continues to be cited in academic and popular discussions as a symbol of prudence in intellectual pursuits.

Related Myths, Sites, and Parallels

Ancient accounts often suggest that legendary knowledge-bringers, such as the Nine Unknown Men, have echoes across cultures. Similarities can be observed in both Indian and Native American traditions, with parallels involving sacred sites, cosmology, and shared mythic themes such as guardianship of knowledge or resources.

Links to Other Indian Legends

The story of the Nine Unknown Men links closely with other Indian myths involving protectors of sacred knowledge, such as the rishis who meditated on the cosmic truths revealed by deities like Brahma and Indra. Legends often depict these guardians preserving wisdom about trade, warfare, or spirituality, much like the supposed “books” of the Nine Unknown.

Sites associated with early settlement, important trade routes, or ancient temples are sometimes connected to stories of hidden treasures—gold, spices, or sacred texts. In regions like New England, accounts of Indian wigwams draw comparisons to Indian hermitages, both serving as places of seclusion for meditation and the secret keeping of knowledge.

Lists of “holy trinities,” such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, also emphasize the Indian tradition of divine guardianship, mirroring the supposed roles of the Nine Unknown. Myths sometimes suggest the Nine concealed secrets about reading, fishing, or even the structure of galaxies, though these claims are debated by scholars.

Parallels With Native American Traditions

Native American legends, especially among the Dakota and tribes of New England, recount stories of wise people or warriors entrusted with sacred responsibilities. Just as the Nine Unknown were thought to guard ancient knowledge in India, Native elders preserved oral histories, practical wisdom, and spiritual truths, such as sustainable fishing and agricultural techniques, within their communities.

Wigwams figure prominently in Dakota and other tribal traditions as symbolic centers of gathering, storytelling, and ceremony. These spaces sometimes functioned as repositories for communal knowledge, echoing the Indian practice of safeguarding wisdom in secluded hermitages.

Themes of guardianship appear in Native tales related to early settlement, trade in cotton or spices, and resistance to slavery or warfare. Despite differences in cosmology, both traditions elevate respected figures to the role of custodians—whether of survival strategies, spiritual insights, or cosmic understanding—often emphasizing a duty to protect knowledge until the world is ready for its disclosure.

The Disappearance of the Nine Unknown Men