The Rise of Chandragupta Maurya

Ancient history has succumbed to several important and flowing dynasties within the country. India has a very rich ancient history. In Northern India, the Nanda Dynasty ruled Magadha from 343 BCE till 321 BCE. It is also said that the founder of the Nanda Dynasty- Mahapadma had a social origin, which was not the same as other rulers. One of the most important factors which helped him consolidate the powers of a ruler was his frontier origin, in addition to his career as an adventurer. It is also said that he was known as the destroyer of the Kshatriyas. The last ruler of this Dynasty was very unpopular among his “Rajya”, precisely because of his oppressive rule. 

The Nanda Dynasty was conquered by the founder of Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE. With the influence of Chanakya (Kautilya), Chandragupta defeated Dhana Nanda. 

Let us look at this conquest of the Nanda Dynasty by the founder of the Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Maurya. 

Defeating the Nandas

Before the rise of the Mauryan Dynasty, the Nanda Empire rules majority of the Indian Subcontinent. The last ruler of this Dynasty was very unpopular among his “Rajya”, precisely because of his oppressive rule. Chanakya worked as a Minister in the Nanda Empire. And, in the fall of the Nanda Empire, Chanakya played a very crucial role. His influence was of utmost importance. 

Chanakya was insulted by the Ruler Dhana Nanda when he swore to destroy his empire as an act of revenge. He left the Nandas and fled away to Taxila, where he worked as a teacher. While traveling, Chanakya came across Chandragupta Maurya and was very impressed with his skill of leadership. He bought Chandragupta with him to Taxila and trained him. He formed an army with all the local militants who had fought against Alexander. This army came into power in the North-western region of the subcontinent and had begun conquering regions under the rule of the Macedonian Army. 

After creating a strong root in the Indus Valley, Chandragupta aimed at conquering Dhana Nandas Magadha. Most of Dhana Nanda’s citizens were fed up with his tyrant ruling and attempted to join Chandragupta’s army. With the teaching and influence of Chanakya (Kautilya) and the strategic skills of the founder of Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Maurya, he had won the hearts of the citizens of Magadha. Hence, Dhana Nanda resigned from his post and Chandragupta became the new ruler of Magadha. 

Chandragupta

Chandragupta Maurya laid his foundation in 321 BCE and ruled the majority portion of the Indian Subcontinent. He defeated the Greek-ruled cities in the north-western portion of the subcontinent. He rose to the Mauryan Empire with the help and influence of Chanakya (Kautilya). Not much is known about the early days of Chandragupta Maurya. The generally accepted notion is that he was an orphan, who belonged to a humble family and was taught and tutored by Chanakya. 

Chandragupta conquered Eastern Afghanistan, western areas of Indus, and Baluchistan after signing a treaty with Nicator in 305 BCE. He tied knots with Nicator’s daughter. Nicator did not want to have a full-scale war with the Mauryas and hence, avoided conflict. Chandragupta Maurya’s reign started in 321 BCE and ended in 297 BCE. He was succeeded by his son, Bindusara in 297 BCE. 

Now, let us look at the founder of Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Mauryas teacher, Chanakya (also known as Kautilya). 

Kautilya- the teacher

Initially, Chanakya worked as a Minister in the Nanda Empire. He was insulted by the Ruler Dhana Nanda when he swore to destroy his empire as an act of revenge. He moved to Taxila and became a teacher. He was very impressed by the leadership skill of Chandragupta Maurya, at an early stage. He taught and trained Chandragupta Maurya. He played an essential role in preparing and influencing the founder of the Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Maurya in conquering the Nanda Empire. After the rise of the Mauryan Empire, Chanakya became the Chief Minister of the Mauryan Empire. 

Arthashastra was written by Chanakya. His works had information and knowledge about economics, strategies related to the military, and statecraft. He is widely known as the “Indian Machiavelli”. In the 12th Century, Arthashastra was lost and it was rediscovered in the year 1905 by R. Shamsastry. 

Conclusion

The Nanda Dynasty was conquered by the founder of Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE. With the influence of Chanakya (Kautilya), Chandragupta defeated Dhana Nanda. The founder of the Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Maurya laid his foundation in 321 BCE and ruled the majority portion of the Indian Subcontinent. He defeated the Greek-ruled cities in the north-western portion of the subcontinent. Three of the most infamous rulers of the Mauryan Empire were the founder of the Mauryan Empire- Chandragupta Maurya, his son, and grandson- Bindusara and Ashoka, respectively.