12

Srimad Baghavatham has an indirect mention to Chanakya:

A certain brāhmaṇa [Cāṇakya] will betray the trust of King Nanda and his eight sons and will destroy their dynasty. In their absence the Mauryas will rule the world as the Age of Kali continues.

[12.1.11]

Does any other scripture have similar mentions, either directly or indirectly, about Chanakya?

2 Answers 2

1

Yes, Cāṇakya (also known as Kauṭilya) is directly mentioned in the Matsya Purāṇa where the fall of the Kṣatriya dynasties due to the advent of Kali Yuga is described.

Below is from the Matsya Purāṇa chapter 272 verse 22: enter image description here

When they [eight sons of Nanda] enjoy the kingdom for a total duration of one hundred years, Kauṭilya shall destroy them and the rule shall be passed to the Maurya Dynasty.


Maurya dynasty is listed in the Matsya Purāṇa and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

The above chapter of the Matsya Purāṇa doesn't list names of the first few kings of the Maurya dynasty and directly mentions Śatadhanvā.

Interestingly, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam lists the names of these kings starting with Candragupta who was enthroned by Kauṭilya all the way up to Śatadhanvā. Bṛhadratha (not to be confused with the father of Jarāsandha) is mentioned as the son of Śatadhanvā in both the Purāṇas.

The names of the Maurya kings after Bṛhadratha are found in the Matsya Purāṇa only. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupāda adds Daśaratha (listed in the Matsya Purāṇa) as the tenth Maurya king in his commentary to verse 12.1.14 of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Both the Matsya Purāṇa and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam mention Cāṇakya and state that ten Maurya kings shall rule for 137 years in Kali Yuga.

1

Vayu Purana mentions Chanakya -

For eight years twelve of them will rule as kings. In succession to Mahapadma they will become kings in order. Kautilya will exterminate all of them by means of the twice eight of them (sixteen) .

  • Chapter 37, section 3, Vayu Purana.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .