The Mauryan empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE. Little is known about Chandragupta's life prior to him beginning the Empire. It is assumed that he had connections with the Nanda Dynasty which he eventually took over. The takeover of the Nanda Dynasty as well as part of Alexander the Great's territory happened with the help of Chanakaya, who was Chandragupta's top adviser. It is said that Chanakaya had a personal vendetta against Dhana Nanda, King of the Nanda Empire. Dhana Nanda insulted Chanakaya during a visit (He insulted Chanakaya by calling him an ugly Brahmin. Some legends have the Nanda prince also insulting Chanakaya, by calling him an ugly monkey. With great anger, Chanakaya vowed that he would not re-tie his Brahmin topknot until he had driven King Nanda out of power and destroyed his whole clan. A Brahmin topnot was a popular hairstyle at the time.) From that point on, Chanakaya made it his goal to take over Nanda's Kingdom. Military strength as well as political manipulation allowed for a quick takeover and the exile of King Nanda.
Maurya began rapidly expanding the empire. By 316 BCE he had fully conquered Northwestern India and was moving into central and southern India. The Mauryan Empire was called India's Golden Age largely due to its trade, agriculture, and economic advances which thrived under a centralized government.
Follow Up Assignment
The beginning of the Mauryan Empire was motivated by revenge. How horrible must the insult have been to drive Chanakaya to wipe out an entire dynasty?
Imagine that you are Chanakaya and write a letter to Chandragupta telling him about the insult you received from King Nanda. Explain why it made you so angry and what you intend to do to make things right.
