Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya
Introduction
Chanakya was a professor at the ancient Taxila university. He was a guardian, teacher and mentor of Chandragupta Mauya. He was a learned person and master of economics and politics. Chanakya drafted the road-map for Chandragupta Maurya to overthrow the Nanda dynasty and secure the throne of Magadha Empire. Later on, Chandragupta became the king and Chanakya served him in the capacity of the chief advisor.
The first interaction between Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya
The young Chandragupta was playing a mock royal court with his village friends. Chanakya happened to pass by that way. Chanakya was very impressed by the qualities of this child. He saw the future King of Magadha in Chandragupta. Chanakya purchased him on the spot from his adopted father.
Chanakya then took him to the city of Taxila and gave him complete education in humanities, military training and arts, in order to equip him properly for the future royal office.
The Revenge of Chanakya
Chanakya was once insulted and humiliated by King Dhana Nanda. Chanakya decided to take revenge against the Nanda dynasty for humiliating him. Chanakya started searching for one probable candidate who can replace the Nanda King. When Chanakya saw Chandragupta, he was highly impressed with him. Chandragupta and Chanakya together with some allies brought down the Nanda Empire. Chanakya had significant role in the victory of Chandragupta against the Nanda Rule.
Major reforms in Chandragupta Maurya Empire
The Empire of Chandragupta Maurya was very vast. Chandragupta Maurya introduced many reforms in his state on the advice of Chanakya. Based on the principles of Arthashastra, many economic reforms were passed.
Chanakya taught Chandragupta, the art of ruling and administering a State. India witnessed such a vast empire for the first time.
Chanakya continued to be one of the main ministers in the court of Bindusara. Chanakya further extended the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Bindusara Maurya.
