Chanakya was one of the greatest philosophers in ancient India who lived around 350-283 BC. He was born in Patliputra, Magadha (modern Patna, Bihar) and taught political science at Takshashila University. Chanakya became the advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and helped him defeat the Nanda king to unite most of India for the first time in history under the Maurya Empire.

1. ChanakyaChanakya
One of the greatest philosophersOne of the greatest philosophers
in the history of mankind.in the history of mankind.

2. General InformationGeneral Information
 Born around 350 BC in a Bramhin Family andBorn around 350 BC in a Bramhin Family and
died around 283 BCdied around 283 BC
 Name at birth was Vishnugupta but was laterName at birth was Vishnugupta but was later
known as Chknown as Chāānakya and Kautilyanakya and Kautilya
 Born in Patliputra, Maghadh which is currentlyBorn in Patliputra, Maghadh which is currently
Patna, Bihar in IndiaPatna, Bihar in India
 Teacher of political science at TaxilaTeacher of political science at Taxila
UniversityUniversity
 Later became Advisor of EmperorLater became Advisor of Emperor
Chandragupta MauryaChandragupta Maurya

3.  He was educated at Takshashila, an ancient centre of
learning located in north-western ancient India (present-
day Pakistan). He grew up to be a well-read young man,
with knowledge in a variety of subjects including
economics, political science, war strategies, medicine and
astrology.
 It is also believed that he was familiar with elements of
Greek and Persian learning. He was fully knowledgeable
concerning the Vedas literature too. After completing his
education he became a teacher (acharya) of political
science and economics at Takshashila.

4. ChandraguptaChandragupta
 One day, while walking on the road he stepped on some thorns. HeOne day, while walking on the road he stepped on some thorns. He
controlled his anger, bent down and destroyed every one of the thorns.controlled his anger, bent down and destroyed every one of the thorns.
 Chandragupta who had recently been insulted by the tyrannicalChandragupta who had recently been insulted by the tyrannical
Ghananand (the king) saw this event and thought that such aGhananand (the king) saw this event and thought that such a
determined man could help him get his revenge. He then tookdetermined man could help him get his revenge. He then took
Chanakya to the king’s court. The king laughed and made fun of him.Chanakya to the king’s court. The king laughed and made fun of him.
Chanakya swore to destroy the king and his sons for that insult.Chanakya swore to destroy the king and his sons for that insult.
 The determined Chanakya started searching for a worthy successor to
bring about the downfall of the Nanda king and met the young
Chandragupta Maurya. The two men then formed alliances with some
other powerful rulers to help them in their quest.

5. MajorIncident in the Life of theMajorIncident in the Life of the
ChanakyaChanakya

6.  Move towards Patliputra
 Chanakya meets Chandragupta
 Defeat of the Nanda king

7. UnitingUniting IndiaIndia
 Chanakya was the person who thought of theChanakya was the person who thought of the
Akhand Bharat First.Akhand Bharat First.
 He also thought of the plans to take over hisHe also thought of the plans to take over his
homeland, Magadh, from the tyrannical rule of thehomeland, Magadh, from the tyrannical rule of the
Nand Dynasty and handed it over to his mainNand Dynasty and handed it over to his main
apprentice, Chandragupta Maurya. Underapprentice, Chandragupta Maurya. Under
Chanakya’s guidance, Chandragupta created aChanakya’s guidance, Chandragupta created a
huge empire unititing most of India by usinghuge empire unititing most of India by using
Magadh’s enormous military force and wealth. ThisMagadh’s enormous military force and wealth. This
later became the great Ashokan Empire and for thelater became the great Ashokan Empire and for the
first time in it’s history, India was a united nation.first time in it’s history, India was a united nation.

8. Major Works by ChanakyaMajor Works by Chanakya
 Chanakya authored the treatise ‘Arthashastra’ which discusses
a variety of topics such as monetary and fiscal policies,
welfare, international relations, and war strategies in detail.
The text is believed to a compilation of the works of various
authors by some scholars.
 The ‘Arthashastra’ also explores issues related to the nature of
government, law, civil and criminal court systems, ethics,
economics, markets and trade, nature of peace, and the duties
and obligations of a king. Topics such as agriculture,
mineralogy, mining and metals, animal husbandry, medicine,
forests and wildlife are also covered in the treatise.

9. SourcesSources
 http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/
chanakya-990.phpchanakya-990.php
 http://www.esamskriti.com/essay-http://www.esamskriti.com/essay-
chapters/Life-of-Chanakya-1.aspxchapters/Life-of-Chanakya-1.aspx
 http://www.chanakyasstory.com/p/life-http://www.chanakyasstory.com/p/life-
story.htmlstory.html