Question

Chandragupta’s ideas were written down in Arthashastra?
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: Chandragupta Maurya is the founder of Mauryan empire. He founded the empire at Magadha with Patliputra, present-day Patna as its capital. Chandragupta was supported by a wise man called Kautilya or Chanakya.

Complete answer: The Mauryan empire was the biggest empire in history. It was founded by Chandragupta in 322 BC. With the mind and help of Chanakya, Chandragupta succeeded in overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty. Chanakya or Kautilya was made the prime minister under the rule of Chandragupta. He wrote all his ideas and philosophies in the book called, Arthashastra. The Arthashastra is considered to be Chanakya’s training manual through which he guides and teaches Chandragupta about power and politics. This book was then passed down to Chandragupta’s son, Bindusara and then to his grandson, Asoka, the great. Many of his ideas were derived from this book. There are several techniques and tricks that are described in Arthashastra such as the use of spies, political manipulation and unarmed ways to weaken the opponent. By using these ideas Chandragupta defeated the Nanda dynasty and established the foundations of the Mauryan dynasty.

Therefore the correct answer is- A.

Note: It is important to keep in mind that Chanakya or Kautilya only helped Chandragupta in laying the foundations of the Mauryan empire through his strategies and political knowledge, thus it is Chandragupta who is the pioneer of the empire.