Chandragupta Maurya
In the history of India, Chandragupta Maurya was the progenitor of the Mauryan empire. There are many different theories about his early life. Some theories claim he was of royal lineage. Others believe he was of humble background. There have been theories about him giving the Maurya title to his empire as some believe his mother’s Name was Mura devi, while others believe his family was largely of peacock supervisors. Thus, there has been no clear detail about his background and birth date. Many major religious and contemporary sources talking about him have different claims. Thus, it's difficult to ascertain factual correct information regarding his initial days. Chandragupta Maurya is also called Sandrakottus in some Greek sources.
It is said that Chanakya was exiled from the Nanda Capital of Patalipura in Magadha. After leaving the capital he found kids playing by enacting a Royal Court scene. He saw a kid playing the role of a King giving sensible judgment, which impressed Chanakya. Thus, he took him in his wing and trained him in the skills required for a ruler of the university town of Takshasila. It was after his education, during the time India faced Alexander’s Invasion and the frontier faced conflicts with him, where Maharaja Purushottama or Porus and Malav Republic faced mutiny from Alexander's army. He subsequently left the territory, and it was by that time that Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya raised their army and prepared for war.
The Seleucid-Mauryan War
Later Chandragupta Maurya’s army invaded Nanda territory at the frontier and slowly but steadily invaded and conquered the Nanda kingdom from Dhana Nanda. Thus, Chandragupta Maurya became ruler of Magadha kingdom and united all the small kingdoms under his rule. The Satraps appointed by Alexander later had a conflict with Chandragupta Maurya's empire. The war resulted in the victory of Mauryan forces. This event, which took place in 305-303 AD, was known as the Seleucid-Mauryan war. It is also said, as per the war treaty, Maurya married a daughter of Seleucus Nicholas although the records are patchy. Soon Seleucus dispatched Ambassador Megasthanes to Chandragupta Maurya's court. Fragments of records which were found serve as a valuable source to understand the political and societal scenario of India of that era.
Later he invaded south of Vindhya and Satpura where his army was victorious. Chanakya served as an advisor for him and his Empire. His empire covered and consolidated most parts of India except for the southern kingdoms. His kingdom extended from modern day Afghanistan to modern day Bengal.
It was after all his conquests that he focussed on the development of his kingdom by implementing many reforms on taxation. He focussed on developing uttarapada the northern highway and other highways that came into his kingdom. His empire also developed single currency. As a result, trade became easier and also gave access to both domestic and international commerce. The dacoity, thievery, and banditry were kept in constant check for the betterment of trade processes.
His empire divided administration into three different parts; one for villages Known as gramika where a gramin was head of the village affairs, the Nagarika was the head of City, and the provincial capitals fell under the authority of governors. Thus, civil administration provided safety and welfare to people along with efficient taxation methods. Gramin the village head and council were responsible for the land, water resources, farming, pasteur maintenance, and other activities. Nagarika-the urban council was responsible for the trade, issuing permits, and maintaining standards.
The army had its own administration as it had a supreme commander and forces were trained on different disciplines of warfare. The army was stationed around the empire and was helpful in warding off internal and external threats.
Marriage and Death
Maurya got married to Durdhara and had a Son Bindusara who succeeded him. He left his kingdom in 298/297 BC he followed his mentor Bhadrabahu to Shravanabelagola where he died.
