The recent statement by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, suggesting that Chandragupta Maurya defeated Alexander the Great, has sparked conversations amongst scholars and history enthusiasts. The narrative surrounding both these historical figures is fascinating and reveals significant insights into their respective reigns. While Alexander is often referred to as ‘great’ by early historians, the greatness of Indian emperors such as Ashoka, Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola, and Akbar has also been acknowledged. Given this context, it’s noteworthy to consider the dynamics of their eras and how their actions have defined their historical greatness.
Understanding the Greatness of Kings: Alexander and Chandragupta Maurya
Alexander’s greatness primarily arises from his formidable military conquests, which stunned European writers and chroniclers of the ancient world. At just 30 years old, he established the largest empire seen until that period, reaching from Greece to India’s northwestern frontier.
On the other hand, Chandragupta Maurya was the architect of the expansive Mauryan empire, which controlled both the Indus and Ganga plains and extended to the eastern and western oceans. With Pataliputra as its heart, the empire unified most of South Asia for the first time. Chandragupta’s greatness is often attributed to his remarkable administrative skills, which led to the formation of an effective system of centralised administration and tax-collection.
Legacy of the Chola Emperors and Other Historical Figures
Historical greatness is not confined to Alexander and Chandragupta Maurya. The Chola emperors, Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, built powerful navies and conquered territories such as the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and several Southeast Asian countries. Similarly, Ghenghis Khan, Tamerlane, Atilla the Hun, Ashoka, Akbar, and Aurangzeb, constructed substantial empires, contributing to their historical greatness.
A Closer Look at Alexander’s Reign and Indian Campaign
Born in 356 BC in ancient Greece, Alexander succeeded his father at the young age of 20. He conducted campaigns across West Asia and North Africa. His Indian campaign, which lasted about two years, saw the surrender of the king of Taxila, but he was confronted by Porus beyond the Jhelum. Despite being victorious, Alexander’s army refused to march further after reaching the Beas, ultimately forcing Alexander to retreat. Even with this unsuccessful campaign, Alexander is believed to have died undefeated in any battle.
Chandragupta Maurya and Alexander’s Interaction
Historians suggest that Chandragupta may have interacted with Alexander during the latter’s Indian campaign. The Latin historian Justin indicates that Chandragupta advised Alexander to proceed beyond the Beas and attack the Nanda emperor, implying that Chandragupta may have drawn inspiration from Alexander’s exploits.
About Chandragupta Maurya’s Reign
According to both Greek and Indian sources, Chandragupta overthrew the unpopular Nanda king, Dhana Nanda, and took over his capital, Pataliputra. The role of Kautilya, the ingenious guiding force behind Chandragupta, is significant in understanding Chandragupta’s rise to power. Chandragupta leveraged the power vacuum left by the retreat of Alexander’s forces to expand his territory rapidly. His successful campaign against Selucus, a successor to Alexander, further cemented his standing as a powerful ruler.
This analysis of the reigns and achievements of both Alexander and Chandragupta Maurya provides a fitting context to recent discussions on their historic greatness, illuminating the legacies they left behind.