Chanakya Biography: Life Story of an Philosopher

# Chanakya: The mastermind behind the Maurya Empire

Chanakya was one of the most influential and brilliant figures in ancient Indian history. He was a teacher, philosopher, economist and statesman who wrote the Indian political treatise Arthashastra (Science of Politics and Economics). He played an important role in founding the Moorish Empire, which was the first and largest unified empire in India.

## childhood days

Chanakya was founded around 350 BC. Born into a very poor Brahmin family. C. in Takschashila. His father’s name was Chanak and his mother’s name was Chaneshvari.He had a strong intellect and a strong interest in learning from an early age. He studied various subjects such as politics, economics, medicine, war strategies and astrology at Takshashila, an ancient center of learning in northwestern ancient India.

## Married life

After completing his education, Chanakya began working as a teacher in the nearby areas of Takshashila and Nalanda. He had many students who admired his wisdom and knowledge. He also married a woman named Shubhada, who bore him a son named Piṅgala.

## Meeting with Dhananda

One day, Chanakya decided to visit Pataliputra, the capital of the powerful Nanda dynasty, which at that time ruled most of northern India. He wanted to meet King Dhananda and offer his services as an advisor. However, when he reached Pataliputra, Dhananda’s chief minister, Rakshasa, insulted him and refused to let him see the king. Chanakya felt humiliated and vowed to overthrow Dhananda and his corrupt government.

## The rise of Chandragupta

Chanakya left Pataliputra and wandered around in search of someone who could help him fulfill his vow.He met a young man named Chandragupta who belonged to the Moriya clan who claimed descent from King Shishunaga of Magadha. Chanakya saw potential in Chandragupta and decided to train him as a leader and warrior , Chanakya made an alliance with Parvataka (also known as Parvateshvara), who was the king of Himalayan regions such as Kashmir and Gandhara. Together they formed a rebel army against the Dhananda government. They also sought support from other neighboring kingdoms such as Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) and Kamboja (modern-day Afghanistan). After several battles and sieges, Chandragupta finally defeated around 321 BC. BC Dhananda’s forces at Pataliputra. C. with the leadership and strategy of chanakya. Chandragupta became the first emperor of the Moorish Empire, which stretched from present-day Afghanistan to Bengal.

## Chanakya’s Revenge

Chanakya did not forget his humiliation at the hands of Rakshasa, who escaped after Dhananda’s defeat. He wanted to eliminate Rakshasa who had teamed up with some remaining Nanda loyalists. Chanakya used their cunning tactics as spies, misinformation, bribery, and murder to weaken Rakshasa’s resistance.

He also tried to win Rakshasa’s wife Durgeshwari by sending her gifts. and letters poses as her husband. However Rakshasa managed  to thwart Chanakya’s plans by revealing his tricks and sending return giftsand letters  to Durgeshwari.

 

Finally, Chanakya realized that he could not defeat Rakshasa by force or cunning. Decided to use Diplomacy instead. Approached Rakshasa with respect and offered him peace and friendship. Praised Rakshasa’s loyalty and intelligence and acknowledged his mistakes. He also appealed to the patriotism of Rakshasa and asked him to join Chandragupta’s administration for the benefit of India.

Rakshasa was moved by Chanakya’s words and agreed to end their hostility. In Chandraguptas became prime minister. , while Chanakya retired from active politics.

## Bindusara

Chandragupta reigned for about 24 years before he died around 297 BC. Abdicated in favor of his son Bindusara. In , Chanakya remained Bindusara’s mentor and advisor until his death