Chanakya

 Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnu Gupta, was an exceptional economist, political strategist, philosopher, and author of Arthashastra during the 4th century BCE, and died 275 BCE. The details of his birthplace are still unclear. According to Hemachandra, a Jain writer, he was born to Chanin and his wife Chaneshvari in the Chanaka village of the Golla region, on the contrary, other sources claim the name of Chanakya's father as Chanak. 

Little is known for certain about Chanakya because few historical documents exist from his lifetime. Most of the information about his life and influence over India has been obtained from four primary sources. These sources are considered semi-legends and can be found in the Buddhist text, Mahavamsa; the Jain text, Parishishtaparvan; the Kashmiri text, Kathasaritsagara; and the Vishakhadatta text, Mudrarakshasa. Each legend shares a common theme that Chanakya was disappointed by King Nanda and vowed and sought revenge by promoting the rule of Emperor Chandragupta.

In his book, the Arthashastra, Chanakya refers to himself as Kautilya. This name is thought to come from his family. Once, the same book refers to his name as Vishnu Gupta. Chanakya was born in a poor Brahmin family and was educated at Takshashila (Now in Pakistan). Taxila was an ancient centre of learning located in the northwestern part of India. He completed his education in Takshashila and grew up to be a well-read young man. It is believed that along with his knowledge in subjects like political science, economics, war strategies, astrology, and medicine, he was also familiar with the elements of Persian and Greek learning. He had full knowledge of the Vedas as well.

Chanakya was a teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist, statesman, and royal advisor. His original name was Vishnu Gupta, yet he is recognized by his pen name Kautilya. He wrote 'Arthashastra' on the Science of Politics and Economics between the 2nd century BCE and 3rd century CE. He wrote books on many things such as ethics and statecraft. He worked as a political advisor for the famous Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta, and he was given many credentials in the expansion of the state. He later became the advisor to Chandragupta's son Bindusara. 

Chanakya began his career as a teacher and went on to become a trusted ally of Emperor Chandragupta. Working as the emperor's adviser, he helped Chandragupta overthrow the powerful Nanda dynasty at Pataliputra, in the Magadha region and helped Chandragupta attain new powers. Chanakya was the adviser for Chandragupta's son Bindusara as well.

The literary works of Chanakya continue to be relevant in modern-day India. He is credited as having been one of the first people to have the vision of a united Indian subcontinent and is often referred to as the architect of the first Empire of India. His ideas behind police duties, judicial systems, charitable donations, prevention of war, and elimination of enemy kings have provided a framework for the India of today. These theories have also earned him the nickname of the Indian Machiavelli. One of his most well-known quotes is: “Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you.”

A highly learned Chanakya, a Brahmin, educated at Takshashila had in-depth knowledge in various subjects such as politics, economics, medicine, war strategies, and astrology. He began his career as a teacher and later he became the trusted connect of Indian Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (c. 317-293 B.C.E.). He acted as the emperor's counsellor and advisor and helped Chandragupta in overthrowing the power Nanda dynasty at Pataliputra, in the Magadha region. He was instrumental in helping Chandragupta to consolidate his powers.

Two of Chanakya’s known books are Chanakya Niti and the Arthashastra. The Chanakya Niti is a collection of proverbs, also known as aphorisms. Some scholars believe that these verses and phrases were compiled from previous works. The Arthashastra defines the responsibilities and duties of a political leader. It also concerns political issues, including financial, war, welfare, and international relations policies.

Chanakya’s father's name was Chanak and his mother's name was Chaneshvari. In his childhood days, Chanakya studied the whole Vedas and learned about politics. He had a wisdom tooth. There was a common belief at that time, that having a wisdom tooth is a sign of becoming the king. His mother was scared to hear an astrologer say, "he will grow up to become a king and forget her after becoming king". At that time Chanakya broke his wisdom teeth and promised his mother that "Mother, don't worry. I will take good care of you."

Before the rise of the Maurya Empire, North India was under the rule of Nandas. Due to the lack of proper administrations, the Kings of Nandas empire were exploiting the people. Chanakya played a major role in removing such robbers like Dhananand and establishing the Mauryan Empire.

Chanakya had a firm belief that "A woman who is beautiful from the body only can keep you happy for one night. While a woman who is beautiful from her soul can keep you happy for a lifetime". So, he decided to marry a girl named Yashodhara in his Brahmin lineage. She was not as beautiful as him. Her black color became a joke for some people.

Once upon a time, Yashodhra decided to go to a ceremony at her brother's house with Chanakya, everyone made fun of Chanakya's poverty. She was unhappy with the situation, so she advised him to meet King Dhanananda and get some money as a gift.

Dhanananda, an arrogant king, was the emperor of Magadha at that time. One day he had organized a food meal for the Brahmins at Pushpapuri. Chanakya also attended the meal in the desire to receive some gifts from King Dhanananda by giving suggestions about unbroken India.  Dhanananda, the very arrogant King insulted Chanakya by looking at his attire and appearance and directly rejected his suggestions.

At this, Chanakya got very angry and vowed to destroy the Nanda Empire. Then Dhanananda ordered his people to arrest him. But Chanakya escaped from there in disguise. After escaping from the court of Dhana Nanda, Chanakya successfully hid and started living around Magadh. During this time, he became friends with his rival Dhana Nanda's son, Pabbata. Chanakya was able to conquer Pabbata's mind and was able to obtain a royal ring and went to the forest.

In The Buddhist Version of Chanakya’s Biography and Chanakya’s Childhood, we find that Chanakya grew up as a Brahmin in Takshashila under the rule of the Nanda Kings. According to the Buddhist account of his life, he grew canine teeth, a sign of royalty. His mother worried that his teeth would lead to him becoming King and that afterwards, he would forget about her. To show his mother that she had no reason to worry, he broke off his canine teeth. Later in his life, King Dhana Nanda held a ceremony for Brahmins. Chanakya attended, and when the king saw him with his broken teeth and misaligned feet, he threw Chanakya out of the event. Embarrassed and outraged, Chanakya cursed the King. The King demanded his arrest, but Chanakya escaped with the help of Prince Pabbatha, King Dhana Nanda’s son.

Chanakya ran to live in the Vindhya Forest, where he spent his time turning one gold coin into more with the help of his keen knowledge of economics. He used this trick until he had eighty crores (800,000,000) of gold coins, a huge sum at that time. Chanakya hid all his money and set out to search for a person worthy of ruling the land. During his search, he came upon a group of children playing a game of kings and robbers. One of these children, Chandragupta, was pretending to be a king and cut off the arms and legs of the robbers. Chanakya watched as he reattached the limbs. Witnessing this, Chanakya wanted to learn more about the boy, Chandragupta. This boy Chandragupta had been born into a royal family; his father had been killed, and his mother was forced to run away. The boy, Chandragupta, grew up with a foster father. Chanakya paid the foster father 1,000 gold coins and took Chandragupta away with him.

Chanakya had to decide who would become Emperor: Prince Pabbatha or Chandragupta. He gave both boys a necklace made of woolen thread. To test their skills, Chanakya asked Pabbatha to take the necklace off Chandragupta’s neck without breaking it or waking him up. The boy was unsuccessful. On a different night, Chandragupta attempted the same challenge. He was successful in cutting off Pabbatha’s head. In this way, Chandragupta was victorious.

Chanakya began a 7-year training program with Chandragupta to teach him about royal responsibilities. Under Chanakya's guidance, Chandragupta became a capable warrior. Chanakya always wanted to overthrow the Nanda dynasty of Dhana Nanda and establish the Maurya empire. Chandragupta formed a small army and attacked Magadha, the capital of the Nandas, but his small army was crushed by the Nandas' huge army. Chanakya and Chandragupta began to roam in frustration after the defeat.

One day, while roaming in Magadha, Chanakya and Chandragupta overheard a mother scolding her son for burning his hand by putting it in the middle of hot bread. She advised him to eat the border of the bread first and then move to the middle, comparing it to Chanakya’s mistake of attacking the capital directly. Realizing their mistake, Chanakya and Chandragupta decided to change their strategy.

Chanakya and Chandragupta started by taking control of the border territories and training forest people to strengthen their army. When their army was ready, Chanakya provided all necessary goods and armor by using the hidden gold coins. Some smaller kings on the border resisted, but Chanakya eliminated them using poisoned girls, known as Vish Kanya.

Using a calm and strategic approach, Chanakya guided Chandragupta to attack Magadha's capital, Pataliputra. Chandragupta successfully killed Dhana Nanda and established the Mauryan Empire, fulfilling Chanakya's dream of a united Indian empire and avenging the insult from Dhana Nanda.

Chanakya became the prime minister of Chandragupta and later of his son, Bindusara. He created a skilled cabinet and provided all possible facilities for the welfare of the citizens. Chanakya also appointed female bodyguards for Chandragupta, making him the first king to have such protection.

To protect Chandragupta from poisoning, Chanakya added small amounts of poison to his meals since childhood. One day, Chandragupta's wife Durdhara mistakenly consumed the poisoned food while pregnant. Chanakya saved the baby, Bindusara, by performing an emergency surgery. Bindusara later became the new emperor of the Mauryan Empire.

However, Subandhu, a jealous minister, conspired against Chanakya and turned Bindusara against him by revealing the cause of his mother’s death. Chanakya retired to a forest, but Subandhu burned his hut, killing Chanakya. Subandhu falsely reported that Chanakya had committed suicide.

Chanakya's contributions were immense; he helped Chandragupta form a small army, enter Pataliputra, and ignite a civil war, eventually winning the throne in 322 BC and establishing the Mauryan dynasty. Chanakya dedicated his life to forming the Maurya Empire and guiding Chandragupta and Bindusara. His ambitions were driven by his insult to the Nanda emperor. Chanakya was a highly learned person who wrote 'Arthashastra,' exploring subjects such as military strategy, economic policy, and social welfare.

Even today, Chanakya’s ideas, policies, and machinations bring success to many. Politicians, businessmen, and many others use Chanakya Sutras to achieve their goals in life.