CHANDRA GUPTA MAURYA

VIII.

LEGENDS OF CHANDRAGUPTA.

A. BUDDHIST.

While Buddha yet lived, driven by the misfortunes produced by the wars of (prince) Vidudabha, certain members of the Sakya line retreating to Himavant discovered a delightful and beautiful location, well watered and situated in the midst of a forest of lofty bo and other trees. Influenced by the desire of settling there, they founded a town at a place where several great roads met, surrounded by durable ramparts, having gates of defence therein, and embellished with delightful edifices and pleasure gardens. Moreover that (city) having a row of buildings covered with tiles, which were arranged in the pattern of the plumage of peacock's neck, and as it resounded with notes of flocks of kraunchas and mayuras it was so called. From this circumstance these Sakya lords of this town, and their children and descendants, were renowned throughout Jambudipa by the title of "Moriya". From this time that dynasty has been called the Moriyan dynasty.

(Chandragupta was born in this dynasty.) His mother, the queen consort of the monarch of Moriyanagara, the city before mentioned, was pregnant at the time that a certain powerful provincial raja conquered that kingdom, and put the Moriyan king to death. In her anxiety to preserve the child in her womb, departing for the capital of Pupphapura under the protection of her elder brothers and under disguise she dwelt there. At the completion of the ordinary term of pregnancy giving birth to a son, and relinquishing him to the protection of the Devas, she placed him in a vase and deposited him at the door of a cattle pen. A bull named Chando stationed himself by him, to protect him, in the same manner that Prince Ghosha, by the interposition of the Devas, was watched over by a bull. In the same manner, also, that the herdsman in the instance of that prince Ghosha repaired to the spot where the bull planted himself, a herdsman, on observing this prince, moved by affection, like that borne to his own child, took charge of and tenderly reared him, and in giving him a name, in reference to his having been watched by the bull Chando, he called him Chandragupta; and brought him up. When he had attained an age to be able to tend cattle, a certain wild huntsman, becoming acquainted with, and attached to him, taking him from (the herdsman) to his own dwelling, established him here. He continued to dwell in that village.

Subsequently, on a certain occasion, while tending cattle with other children in the village, he joined them in a game called the "game of royalty". He himself was named Raja; to others he gave the offices of sub-king, etc. Some being appointed judges, were placed in a judgement hall; some he made officers. Having thus constituted a court of justice, he sat in judgement. On culprits being brought up, regularly inspecting and trying them, on their guilt being clearly proved to his satisfaction, according to the sentence awarded by his judicial ministers, he ordered the officers of the court to chop off their hands and feet. On their replying. "Deva, we have no axes"; he answered. "It is the order of Chandragutta that ye should chop off their hands and feet, making axes with the horns of goats for blades and sticks for handles. They acting accordingly, on striking with the axe the hands and feet were lopt off. On the same person commanding, "Let them be reunited", the hands and feet were restored to their former condition.

Chanakka, (a Brahman), happening to come to that spot, was amazad at the proceedings he beheld. (He had been insulted by King Nanda, for taking revenge against whom he had already taken into confidence a Prince named Pabbato, and was it search for a second individual entitled to be raised to sovereign power). Accompanying (the boy) to the village, and presenting the herdsman with a thousand Kahapanas, he applied for him; saying, "I will teach your son every accomplishment, consign him to me." Accordingly conducting him to his own dwelling, he encircled his neck with a single fold of woollen cord, twisted with golden thread, worth a lac.

He invested Prince Pabbato, also, with a similar woollen cord. While these youths were living with him, each had dream which they separately imparted to him. As soon as he heard each (dream) he knew that of these prince Pabbato would not attain royalty; and that Chandragupta would, without loss of time, become paramount monarch in Jambudipa. Although he made this discovery, he disclosed nothing to them.

On a certain occasion having partaken of some milkrice prepared in butter, which had been received as an offering at a Brahmanical disputation; retiring from the main road, and lying down in a shady place protected by the deep foliage of trees, they fell asleep. Among them the Achariyo awaking first rose; and, for the purpose of putting prince Pabbato's qualifications to the test, giving him a sword, and telling him "Bring me the woollen thread on Chandragupta's neck, without either cutting or untying it," sent him off. Starting on the mission, and failing to accomplish it, he returned. On a subsequent day, he sent Chandragupta on a similar mission. He repairing to the spot where Pabbato was sleeping, and considering how it was to be effected, decided "there is no other way of doing it; it can only be got possession of, by cutting his head off." Accordingly chopping his head off, and bringing away the woollen thread, presented himself to the Brahman, who received him in profound silence. Pleased with him, however, on account of this (exploit), he rendered him in the course of six or seven years highly accomplished, and profoundly learned. Thereafter, on his attaining manhood, deciding "From henceforth this individual is capable of forming and controlling an army," and repairing to the spot where his treasure was buried, and taking possession of, and employing it; and enlisting forces from all quarters, and distributing money among them, and having thus formed a powerful army, he entrusted it to him. From that time throwing off all disguise, and invading the inhabited parts of the country, he commenced his campaign by attacking towns and villages.

In the course of their (Chanakka and Chandragupta's) warfare, the population rose en masse, and surrounding them, and hewing their army with their weapons, vanquished them. Dispersing, they reunited in the wilderness and consulting together, they thus decided; "As yet no advantage has resulted from war; relinquishing military operations, let us acquire a knowledge of the sentiments of the people." Thenceforth, in disguise they travelled about the country. While thus roaming about, after sunset retiring to some town or other, they were in the habit of attending to the converstation of the inhabitants of those places.

In one of these villages a woman having baked some appalpuwa (pancakes) was giving them to her child, who leaving the edges would only eat the centre. On his asking for another cake, she remarked "This boy's conduct is like Chandragutta's in his attempt to take possession of the kingdom." On his enquiring, "Mother, why, what am I doing and what has Chandragupta done?". "Thou, my boy, said she, throwing away the outside of the cake, eat the middle only. Chandagupta also in his ambition to be a monarch, without subduing the frontiers, before he attacked the towns, invaded the heart of the country, and laid towns waste. On that account, both the inhabitants of the town and others, rising closed in upon him, from the frontiers to the centre, and destroyed his army. That was his folly."

They on hearing this story of hers, taking due notice thereof, from that time, again raised an army. On resuming their attack on the provinces and towns, commencing from the frontiers, reducing towns, and stationing troops in the intervals, they proceeded in their invasion. After an interval, adopting the same system, and martiailing a great army, and in regular course reducing each kingdom and province, then assailing Pataliputra and putting Dhanananda to death, they seized that sovereignty.

Although this had been brought about, Chanakka did not at once raise Chandragupta to the throne; but for the purpose of discovering Dhanananda's hidden treasure, sent for a certain fisherman (of the river); and deluding him with the promise of raising the chhatta for him, and having secured the hidden treasure; within a month from that date, putting him also to death, inaugurated Chandagupta monarch.'

B. JAIN.

In a village there lived certain persons as tamers of peacocks. Their headman had a daughter. She gave birth to a son who was named Chandragupta. The latter soon grew up into a fine lad.

Chandragupta used to play with the boys of the neighbourhood, and give villages and other things to them, as if he were a king. Sometimes, he made the boys act as horses or elephants to ride on them, for the future of a man is often predicted by his previous conduct. Subsequently, on a certain occasion, a Brahman named Chanakya (who had been insulted by King Nanda of Pataliputra, and who was in search of a person who could help him in his vow of revenge) came there, while wandering. He was surprised at the manners of Chandragupta, and to test the latter he addressed him thus:--"0 King let me also have a share in your gifts". Chandragupta also replied, "0 Brahman you are at liberty to choose some for yourself from these village kine. No body can dare to withhold what I promise." Chanakya, smiling, said. ''How shall I take these kine ? I fear the cowhards lest they should best me sevefely" Chandragupta replied. "Do not fear. I allot these cows to thee. The whole earth can be enioyed by those who are brave," Chanakya was struck by his intelligence and asked his playmates as to who he was. The boys told him the way in which, while still in his mother's womb, the boy was promised to be given to an ascetic. Chanakya (remembering that it was he himself who had formerly come to the village in the guise of an ascetic) recognised the boy and induced the latter by means of the promise of securing a kingdom, to accompany him. Chandragupta too, pleased at the idea of acquiring kingship, agreed to accompany him, and Chanakya quickly fled away with the boy like a highwayman.

Then, taking hold of his treasures, Chanakya arrayed infantry and other forces, for the sake of destroying Nanda. He then beseiged the city of Pataliputra on all sides with his forces thus gathered. King Nanda, however, easily defeated the inadequate forces of Chanakya. Chanakya and Chandragupta, thereafter, fled for their lives, for it is said that one should protect oneself at any cost, prosperity being attainable only by preserving one's life. Nanda, on his part, sent some cavaliers to catch Chandragupta, for kings can not tolerate such persons as covet their kingdom. When Nanda returned to his capital triumphant, the citizens celebrated a festival, each contributing his share according to capacity.

One of the cavaliers despatched by King Nanda reached, due to the swiftness of his horse, very near where Chandragupta had gone. Chanakya, seeing the cavalier from afar and using his quick wit, asked Chandragupta to hide himself in the water of the lake that was situated nearby adorned with lotuses. He himself stayed there silent like a Yogi. The horseman of Nanda quickly came there on his horse, which had the swiftness of wind. He asked Chanakya if he had seen some young man recently passing that way. Chanakya, pretending to take care lest he should break his silent meditation, pointed his finger towards the water with a hum. The cavalier in order to draw out Chandragupta from water, began to wear his swimming gown, as the dancing girl wears her special petticoat (when she has to perform a dance.) Chanakya in the meanwhile, got hold of the cavalier's sword, and cut off the latter's head, as if to offer to the Water-goddess. Then, as he shouted to Chandragupta, the latter came out of the water, as the moon rises from the ocean. Then having made Chandragupta mount on the horse of the cavalier. Chanakya asked him as to what he thought to himself when was pointed out to the cavalier.

Chandragupta said that, although he might not understand, he saw nothing but good in what his teacher did. Chanakya, on hearing this, thought to himself that such an obedient pupil would never betray him. While they were thus going on, they were again followed by a swift cavalier of Nanda coming like a messenger of Yama. Seeing him, Chanakya again asked Chandragupta to act as before which he did. Chanakya then persuaded a washerman standing there to believe that King Nanda was angry on his guild, and it was best for him to run away, lest he should be killed by the cavalier that was drawing near. The washerman too, seeing the cavalier coming from afar with drawn sword, believed the truth of Chanakya's statement, and fled for his life. Chankaya then began to wash the clothes which the washerman had left behind. The cavalier coming near asked Chanakya (mistaking him to be a washerman) about the fugitives. The quick-witted Chanakya, acting as before, killed that cavalier also. Then Chanakya and Chandragupta resumed their wanderings ......

While thus wandering, Chanakya, accompanied by Chandragupta, reached a village in the evening, as a bird retires to its nest. In that village, roaming for the sake of alms, he approached the house of a certain old woman, who was serving fresh cooked hot food to her children. There a child, feeling very hungry, got his fingers burnt due to his carelessness. On the child's screaming the old woman remarked: "You are as foolish as Chanakya himself.—Chanakya, overhearing, entered her house and asked the matron the reason for her comparison of the child to Chanakya. The old woman replied, "Chanakya in his folly, attacked Nanda's capital, before getting control of the frontiers as a result of which he perished. This child, too, put his hand in the centre before slowly eating from the sides and thus got his fingers burnt. Chanakya thinking that even a woman was more intelligent than him (and realising his mistake) went to the Himalayan regions, and there formed alliance with a chief named Parvataka, with a view to secure his help.

One day, Chanakya suggested to Parvataka the idea of conquering king Nanda and dividing his kingdom between themselves. Parvataka agreed to this, and then Chandragupta, Chanakya and Parvataka started to conquer the kingdom of Nanda. On their way, they beseiged a town, but could not capture it. Thereupon Chanakya entered the town in the disguise of a mendicant. There Chanakya saw seven goddesses and thought that it must have been due to them that the town was safe. While he was thinking of the way of removing the images, certain citizens came to him and requested him to predict as to when the town would be free from the invaders. The preceptor of Chandragupta replied that so long as the goddesses were there the town would not be secure from enemies. The citizens then quickly removed the images, for there is nothing which a troubled person will not do specially under the influence of a crafty fellow. Chandargupta and Parvataka then retreated at the hint of Chanakya, and the citizens became very glad. But the two warriors again came back like a sea-tide and entered the town. Having thus captured this town both the warriors conquered the country of Nanda also, with Chanakya as charioteer. Being guided by Chanakya, the two heroes at last besieged Pataliputra also with a large army. King Nanda at that time had become destitute of sufficient treasuries and army and counsel and valor. He (being defeated) required Chanakya to grant him a safe retirement.Chanakya allowed him to leave the city.

Then king Nanda having taken with him his two wives and a daughter and a sufficient amount of wealth left the city. The daughter of Nanda, at that time was attracted by the appearance of Chandragupta and gazed at him unwinked like a goddess. By thus gazing by her side glances the daughter of Nanda proved that she had fallen in love with Chandragupta, Nanda too, having understood, asked his daughter to choose her husband according to her will, as was the custom among kings. Accordingly he asked her to get down from his chariot, wishing her well. Being thus asked she got down from that chariot, and began to mount the chariot of Chandragupta, as a result of which the spokes were broken, as a sugar cane breaks when pressed by a yantra. Chandragupta thinking it inauspicious tried to remove her from the chariot. Chanakya, however, forbade Chandragupta from doing so, telling him that it was a good omen, not only for Chandragupta but also for his descendants. Then Chandragupta and Parvataka having entered Nanda's palace began to divide the huge wealth of that king. There was also the daughter of Nanda whom the latter had slowly fed on poison, and Parvataka became so enamoured of her that he treated her like an angel. The preceptor of Chandragupta agreed to confer her upon Parvataka and preparations for marriage were started. But the sweat produced by the nuptial tire caused the transmission of poison in the body of Parvataka, (who took the hand of the girl). Being thus afflicted by the agonies of poison his body began to loose energy and he cried to Chandragupta to procure a doctor lest he should die. But Chanakya whispered to Chandragupta to let him alone to die or be cured, for after all the death of Parvataka would clear away a rival of his without his incurring any sin. Thereafter the Himalayan chief died and the whole empire passed intact to Chandragupta. Thus Chandragupta became king 155 years after the Mukti of Sri Mahavira.

C. HINDU.

King Nanda was the lord of 99 crores of gold pieces. When he died his body was re-animated by a person proficient in Yoga and, since then, he was known as Yogananda. Sakatala, the minister, hated Yogananda thinking him to be an imposter. Yogananda, having known it, punished Sakatatala on a false plea. Since then Sakatala became definitely against him.

One day, while brooding on his plan of revenge, he observed a Brahman digging in a meadow, and asked him the reason for doing that. Chanakya, the Brahman, replied, "I am rooting out this grass which has hurt my foot". The minister was struck at the reply and regarded that angry firm-minded Brahman as the fit person to accomplish the death of Yogananda. He then engaged him by the promise of a reward of one hundred thousand suvarnas to come and preside at the sraddha which was to be celebrated in the palace of Nanda. Chanakya accompanied him to his house and on the appointed day went to preside at the Sraddha. Another Brahman, Subandhu, however, was desirous of getting precedence for himself and Nanda was persuaded by Sakatala to believe that Subandhu was a fit person to be given precedence. Thereupon Nanda gave orders to remove Chanakya from the place which he occupied. Sakatala communicated the orders to Chanakya, pleading his own innocence in the matter. Burning with rage, Chanakya loosened the knot of his sikha, and took a vow to kill Nanda within seven days, after which alone he would tie his sikha again. On hearing this Nanda was enraged, but Chanakya escaped and was secretly sheltered by Sakatala. Thereafter, Chanakya being supplied with all materials, practised a magical rite in which he was an adept, and by which on the seventh day Nanda was deprived of life. Sakatala effected the destruction of Yogananda's son Hiranya, gupta also, and raised Chandragupta, the son of the genuine Nanda, on the throne. Chanakya became the prince's minister, and Sakatala having obtained the only object of his existence retired to spend his last days in the woods.

D. EUROPEAN.

Saleucus Nicator waged many wars in the east after the partition of Alexander's empire among his generals. He first took Babylon and then with his forces augmented by victory subjugated the Bactrians. He then passed over into India, which after Alexander's death, as if the yoke of servitude had been shaken off from its neck, had put his prefects to death. Sandracottus was the leader who achieved their freedom, but after his victories he forfeited by his tyranny all title to the name of liberator, for he oppressed with servitude the very people whom he had emancipated from foreign thraldom. He was born in humble life, but was prompted to aspire to royalty by an omen significant of an august destiny. For when by his insolent behaviour he had offended Nandrus and was ordered by that king to be put to death, he sought safety by a speedy flight. When he lay overcome with fatigue and had fallen into a deep sleep, a lion of enormous size approaching the slumberer licked with its tongue the sweat which oozed profusely from his body and when he awoke quickly took its departure. It was this prodigy which first inspired him with the hope of winning the throne, and so having collected a band of robbers he instigated the Indians to overthrow the existing Government. When he was thereafter preparing to attack Alexander's prefects, a wild elephant of monstrous size approached him, and kneeling submissively like a tame elephant received him on to its back and fought vigorously in front of the army. Sandrocottu having thus won the throne was reigning over India when Seleucus was laying the foundation of his future greatness. Seleucus having made a treaty with him and otherwise settled his affairs in the east, returned home to prosecute the war with Antigonuss.