Chanakya was the chief advisor of which ruler?

The correct answer is Chandragupta Maurya.

Key Points

• Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was the chief advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
• He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Maurya Empire by aiding Chandragupta Maurya in overthrowing the Nanda dynasty.
• Chanakya is traditionally credited with authoring the ancient Indian political treatise, the Arthashastra.
• His strategic acumen and political wisdom were instrumental in Chandragupta's rise to power and the subsequent expansion of the Maurya Empire.

Additional Information

• Maurya Empire
  • The Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE) was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power founded by Chandragupta Maurya.
  • At its peak, it was one of the world's largest empires, extending across the Indian subcontinent.
  • The empire is well-known for its military prowess, economic strength, and administrative efficiency.
• Arthashastra
  • The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, attributed to Chanakya.
  • It is considered one of the earliest works on political science and economics.
  • The text discusses various topics, including governance, law, foreign policy, and espionage.
• Chanakya's Legacy
  • Chanakya is regarded as one of the greatest strategists and political thinkers in Indian history.
  • His teachings continue to influence modern Indian political and administrative thought.
  • Chanakya is often compared to other great ancient philosophers and strategists like Machiavelli and Sun Tzu.
• Chandragupta Maurya
  • Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire and the first emperor to unify most of Greater India into one state.
  • Under his rule, the Maurya Empire expanded westwards, defeating the successors of Alexander the Great.
  • Chandragupta later embraced Jainism and abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Bindusara.