Chanakya - An Inspiring teacher

Chanakya is one of the most inspiring personalities of all times. His story is a testimonial that courage and determination will never fail. He laid the foundation for the rise of the great Mauryan Emipre,which established a unified kingdom covering most of  the Indian subcontinent.

Born into a Brahmin family in present day Bihar,Chanakya was educated at Taxshishila,a great centre of learning in ancient India. After completing his education, he became an Acharya (Teacher) in Taxshashila.There are numerous accounts about his childhood hence the actual details of his birthplace and early life are not clear.

Chanakya entered the political scene of Magadha when he was invited to Magadha King Dhana Nanda's court to discuss various political issues along with other Acharyas.He spoke against some of the unjust policies of the King which were affecting the laymen and was unceremoniously sent out of the court for this.

After this incident, Chanakya vowed to defeat Dhana Nanda and place the kingdom under an able ruler. Chanakya selected Chandra Gupta,his disciple as Dhana Nanda's successor as he had all the qualities befitting a good leader and groomed him to be the future king.Under Chanakya's tutelage, Chandra Gupta learned all the aspects of politics and governing.

It was during this period that King Alexander of Greece invaded India.Chankya wanted to unite all the independent kingdoms to fight against Alexander and travelled to various kingdoms to garner support.But,the ruler of Takshashila King Ambhi had made a peace treaty with King Alexander and most of the other kings were only concerned about safeguarding their own kingdoms.

Only King Parveteshwara of Punjab fought against King Alexander in the "Battle of the Hydaspes" but was eventually defeated. However, the fierce battle made the Greek soldiers weary and they wanted to return home. Hence, King Alexander did not continue his quest of conquering India and allowed King Paraeteshwara to rule after being impressed by his brilliant military strategies and bravery.

After King Alexander's return to Greece, Chankya realised that the only way to safeguard India from foreign rule was to unite all the kingdoms under a single ruler. Chanakya and Chandra Gupta sought the help of  Himalyan King Parvathka to defeat King Dhana Nanda who was their foremost opponent. Though they were unsuccessful initially, Chanakya soon established a network of spies to infiltrate the Nanda Empire and cause internal conflicts. After a series of battles, they laid siege on the capital city Patiputra and subsequently defeated King Nanda.

After crowning Chandra Gupta as Emperor,Chanakya introduced a series of social and economic reforms in the Kingdom establishing an efficient administrative system with the welfare of the people in mind. Together, they succeeded in establishing the roots for a unified kingdom extending from the Himalayas to most parts of southern India.  Chankya's "Arthasashtra" is an economic treatise widely praised for it's relevance even today. Chanakya Niti is a composition on various thoughts about life.

Chankya's great vision led to the unification of India which was hitherto fragmented and he gave India one of it's finest rulers -  King Chandragupta Maurya.Chandra Gupta was succeeded by his son King Bindusara and grandson King Ashoka the Great.

"Great souls have wills; feeble ones have only wishes" - Chinese Proverb

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandragupta_Maurya

http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/alexander/section11.rhtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandragupta_Maurya_(TV_series)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Hydaspes