Who among the following said that ‘Maurya kings were usually surrounded by armed women’?
 

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OSSC Excise SI (Mains) Official Paper (Held On: 17 Oct, 2024 Shift 1)
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  1. Shudraka
  2. Seleucus I
  3. Megasthenes
  4. Kautilya

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Megasthenes

Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Megasthenes.

Key Points

  • Megasthenes was a Greek historian, diplomat, and explorer who lived during the Hellenistic period.
  • He was an ambassador of Seleucus I Nicator, who sent him to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna).
  • Megasthenes is best known for his work "Indica," which provides a detailed account of India during the Maurya Empire.
  • In his writings, Megasthenes mentioned that Maurya kings were often surrounded by armed women, which was a distinctive feature of the royal court.

Additional Information

  • Shudraka
    • Shudraka is known as the author of the ancient Indian play "Mrichchhakatika" (The Little Clay Cart).
    • The play is a ten-act Sanskrit drama, which is a classic example of ancient Indian theatre.
    • There is no historical evidence to suggest that Shudraka had any connection with the Maurya kings or their court.
  • Seleucus I Nicator
    • Seleucus I Nicator was one of the generals of Alexander the Great and later became a ruler of the Seleucid Empire.
    • He established the Seleucid dynasty and controlled a significant portion of the territories formerly conquered by Alexander.
    • Seleucus I had diplomatic relations with Chandragupta Maurya and sent Megasthenes as his ambassador to the Maurya court.
  • Kautilya (Chanakya)
    • Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was an ancient Indian philosopher, economist, and statesman.
    • He is traditionally identified as the author of the "Arthashastra," an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.
    • Kautilya was a key advisor and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire.
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