**Chandragupta Maurya: Founder of the Mauryan Empire**

Chandragupta Maurya was one of the greatest rulers in ancient Indian history and the founder of the Mauryan Empire, the first empire to unify much of the Indian subcontinent. He ruled from approximately 321 BCE to 297 BCE and laid the foundation for a strong, centralized state that later reached its zenith under the reign of his grandson, Emperor Ashoka. Chandragupta's life is a remarkable story of ambition, strategy, and transformation, a journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful emperor.There are several legends and varying historical accounts regarding Chandragupta Maurya's early life. Most historians believe he was born around 340 BCE. Little can be said with certainty about his family background; some sources suggest he came from a humble or lower social group, while others connect him to the Moriya clan. Despite this uncertainty, it is clear that Chandragupta did not inherit power by birth. Instead, his rise was a result of his intelligence, courage, and political acumen.A pivotal moment in Chandragupta's life came when he met Chanakya, a brilliant scholar from Taxila, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta. Chanakya had been insulted by the last Nanda ruler of Magadha, Dhana Nanda, and vowed to overthrow him. Recognizing Chandragupta's potential, Chanakya became his mentor and guide. Together, they plotted the downfall of the Nanda dynasty, which ruled Magadha at the time and was widely disliked due to its heavy taxation and oppressive policies.

Under Chanakya's guidance, Chandragupta raised a disciplined army and forged alliances with local rulers and tribal groups. After several attempts and strategic setbacks, Chandragupta successfully defeated Dhana Nanda around 321 BCE and captured Pataliputra (modern Patna), the capital of Magadha. This victory marked the beginning of the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta soon extended his control over northern India, bringing regions such as Punjab, Sindh, and parts of modern Uttar Pradesh under his rule.One of Chandragupta Maurya's most significant achievements was his conflict with **Seleucus I Nicator**, a successor of Alexander the Great. After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, his empire fragmented, and Seleucus attempted to reclaim territories in northwestern India. Chandragupta defeated Seleucus around 305 BCE. This treaty greatly benefited Chandragupta: Seleucus ceded large parts of present-day Afghanistan, Balochistan, and Iran to Chandragupta, receiving in return 500 war elephants and a matrimonial alliance. This victory not only strengthened the Mauryan Empire but also established diplomatic relations between India and the Hellenistic world.As an administrator, Chandragupta Maurya ruled with efficiency and firmness. Under the guidance of Chanakya, he developed a centralized system of governance, described in the famous treatise on politics, economics, and statecraft, the **Arthashastra**. The empire had a well-organized bureaucracy, a strong army, and an efficient taxation system. Spies were employed to gather intelligence, and strict laws ensured order and stability. Agriculture, trade, and commerce flourished, making the empire economically strong.

Despite his reputation as a powerful and sometimes ruthless ruler, Chandragupta's later years saw a profound transformation. According to Jain traditions, he came under the influence of the Jain monk **Bhadrabahu**. Deeply affected by the Jain teachings of non-violence, renunciation, and self-discipline, Chandragupta abdicated his throne in favor of his son **Bindusara** around 297 BCE. He then renounced worldly life and became a Jain ascetic. Chandragupta is believed to have traveled south to **Shravanabelagola** (in present-day Karnataka), where he spent his final years practicing rigorous asceticism. Jain texts state that he performed **Sallekhana**, a ritual of fasting unto death, symbolizing complete renunciation. He is believed to have died around 297 BCE.Chandragupta Maurya's legacy is immense. He was the first ruler to politically unify most of India, bringing a sense of unity and stability after centuries of regional kingdoms. His administrative system influenced Indian governance for generations, and his empire set the stage for the golden age under Ashoka. Chandragupta's life remains an inspiring example of determination, strategic genius, and the capacity for personal transformation. If you'd like, I can **simplify this**, **add headings**, or **rewrite it for an exam** (in CBSE/ICSE style).

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