Chandragupta Maurya History and Sources

Chandragupta and His Empire

• The history of Chandragupta and his empire is mentioned in the book Indika written by Megasthenes, Nicator's ambassador to Chandragupta.
• Megasthenes came to Chandragupta's court in 302 BC and stayed with him for several years.
• Kautilya's Arthashastra also provides valuable information about the rule of Chandragupta.
• The Puranas, Jain and Buddhist literature, also throw light on Chandragupta's life and empire.
• The drama Mudrarakshasa, written by Vishakhadutta, describes how Chandragupta came to power.
• Several punch-marked coins and objects from the period have been found, which shed light on the Maurya rule.

Chanakya (Kautilya)

• Chanakya's real name was Vishnugupta.
• He was the guide, advisor, and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya.
• Chanakya vowed to destroy the Nanda kings after they insulted him.
• He had his revenge when Chandragupta defeated the last of the Nanda kings, Dhana Nanda, and took control of Magadha.
• Chanakya is the author of Arthashastra, which is a valuable source of information about life, society, and administration under the Mauryas.

Chandragupta's Early Life

• Chanakya noticed Chandragupta's kindness and willingness to help others while playing with his friends.
• Chandragupta's father had been a servant of King Nand, the then ruler of Magadha, and was sent to prison for some mistake.
• Chanakya advised Chandragupta's mother to take her son to the king and request for his help in educating Chandragupta.

Bindusara (297 BC - 273 BC)

• Bindusara, also known as 'Amitraghata', took over the Maurya throne in 297 BC.
• Ambassadors from countries as far as Syria and Egypt were part of Bindusara's court.
• After his death, his son Ashoka took over the throne.

Ashoka, The Great (272/268 BC - 231 BC)

• Ashoka was born in 302 BC and ascended the Mauryan throne in 272 BC.
• His coronation took place in 268 BC.
• Ashoka proved to be the most famous of all Mauryan rulers.
• His contribution to India's heritage is immense.
• According to legend, Chanakya used to add small doses of poison in Chandragupta's food to increase the king's resistance to poison.
• Chanakya named the baby boy Bindusara after he was born with a drop of poisoned blood on his head.

Explore the history of Chandragupta Maurya and his empire through various ancient sources such as the book Indika by Megasthenes, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Puranas, Jain and Buddhist literature, and the drama Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadutta. Learn about the valuable insights provided by these historical texts.