Clase 6 Chandragupta

8/7/2019 Clase 6 Chandragupta

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Short after Alexander·s Campaign there was aprofound shake up in the political scene ofMagadha (Nanda·s Dynasty region).

At ca. 320 b.C., a man of unknown origin,Candragupta, rose up against the Nandas and

dethroned them for the Maurya Dynasty to rise. Chronics written by Justinian describe how afterAlexander·s death Indians plot to kill hisrepresentatives, governors and other members ofthe ruling class.

Some Roman Historians like Justinian andPlutarch wrote about an encounter betweenAlexander and Chandragupta, although they writetwo very different tales.



He is considered, by the Greeks and Romans, the

first Emperor in Indian history, known asSandrakottos and Sandracottus respectively.

Chandragupta·s empire extended from the Indotill Bengal and from the Himalayas till theMountains of the Vindhya, perhaps southern.

At the right side of Chandragupta, the name of ahistorical politician appears: Kautalya (in somesources Canakya).

He was not only a writer, but became so famous

that is the main character of the Mudraksasa, atragedy written by Visakhadatta (almost sevencenturies later).



Considered one of the finest classic dramas.

In it, intrigue is displayed with a subtility thatis considered unique in the history of literature.

Directed to a cultivated audience, because it

requires historical knowledge and complexityof thought.



After having been offended by Nandro,Kautalya seeks an alliance with Chandragupta,who had usurping intentions.

He convinces Chandragupta to ally King

Parvata and together they are able to dethroneNandro.

Parvata gets half of the territory of the Nandas,but dies poisoned. His son Malayaketu joins

the Nandas in quest for revenge.



They convince the Persian, Sindian andKashmirian kings to attack Pataliputra.

After battles and most of all following astrategy of deceiving and tricks, Chandragupta

decides to betray Kautalya and replaces himwith the ex-minister of the Nandas.



The first real obstacle that the Maurya Empirehas to face appears in 305 b. C. when Seleuco INikator (The Victorious) gets to the conclusionthat he is entitled to the Indian territory onceconquered by Alexander.

Seleuco is defeated and retrieves losing all theterritory up to Kabul.

Seleuco and Chandragupta get to an agreement

that forced Seleuco to give one of his daughtersto Chandragupta in wedding.



The Arthasastra is the most important writtenwork on politics in the history of India.

Thus, it is the most important historical sourceabout the happenings of those days.

It is often confronted with and agreed by thetexts of Megastenes.

The Arthasastra was written by Kautalya.

It comences with a description of Pataliputra(today·s Patna) that coincides with the one ofMegastenes.



Seven types of works: Philosophers,Farmers,Cattle and sheep keepers, Artisans, Warriors,Spies, Ministers.

Another group of semi-savaes that are forced

to the worse activities. He saw an egalitarian and free society in India

in a form that has never even thought in theGreek Politic Treatisies. This has been

interpreted more as a Hyperbole with theintention of criticizing the Greek system.



Compared to the Prince. It supports and advices a strategic behavior to

the King.

Deals methodologically with torture

techniques. Only one option: The King shall act the way it

is more convenient.

Politics goals is to convert the King in thecenter of a circle of states (a Vijigisu). Proposalknown as the Geography of power.



T

here are three goals in the life on an Indian: 1)Dharma (moral and rightfulness ²in both thelegal and ethial sense), 2) Artha (Politics), 3)Moksa (Salvation). From these three number 2

is the most important for a King. Strategies, deceiving and any other method

possible to seize power, maintain it and controlthe people are only immoral for those who

don·t understand for they are not kings.



Nobody deserves to be trusted. World does notknow respect nor compassion.

A huge amount of spies must be displayed allover the kingdom undercover and disguised.T

hey have several duties: 1) discover, 2)promote, 3) be seditious to discover.

Classifies the potentially seducible serfs in therealms of enemies: 1) exasperates (victims of

injustice), 2) frightened, 3) ambitious, 4) proud.



Economy shall be central and directed.

The most important figure is the State, itsinterests and power.

Thus, the main object of resources is to support

a strong military system. In hard times, it is allowed to increase the taxes

and everything is valid to cash them in.

In order to expropriate goods and enterprises

any incrimination is valid. The state has to have inspectors for every

activity segment .



If you dislike a person, name him tax collector.

Month salaries were given according to a fixed system: 1) Priests, teachers, prime ministers, chief commander, heir prince,main wife: 48,000 Silver Panas.

2)Main butter, main tax collector, treasure minister: 24,000. 3) Other princes, mothers of the princes, other ministers: 12,000. 4) Representatives, inspectors of elephants and of horses,

inspector of chariots, judges: 8,000. 5) Infantry, cavalry and elephantry inspectors, 4,000. 6) inspectors of woods, horse and elephant trainers: 2,000. 7) Astrologists, Prophets, Story-tellers, chariot drivers: 1,000. 8) Scribes, accountants, 500. 9) Actors, 250. 10) Artisans, 120. 11) Lesser import servants, 60. Land has to be given to farmers, but is for them to lose in case they

do not work it enough.



Punishments were corporal, but could bereplaced if paid in cash:

1) thumb/mid finger= 54 SP.

2) Five fingers = 100 SP.

3) Right hand = 400 SP.

4) Both feet = 600 SP.

5) Blinding = 800 SP.

6) Capital punishment couldn·t be bought.

Clase 6 Chandragupta

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