An Insult That Created an Empire

An Insult That Created an Empire

A. Answer the questions.

Q1. Where was Chanakya educated? What were the subjects that he was interested in?

Ans. First of all, Chanakya began his education in his father’s ashram. After that, at the age of sixteen, he was sent to Takshashila, a world famous university of that time. He was interested in studying the classics and contemporary politics.

Q2. How had the Nandas ascended the throne of Magadh? Was Dhan Nanda trusted by the people he ruled? Why did he want to open a daankendra?

Ans. The first Nanda king Sarvarthasidi ascended the throne by killing the king of Magadh. Dhan Nanda was not trusted by the people of Magadh.  He was very corrupt and put unjust taxes on people.

Q3.Who insulted Chanakya and how? What was Chanakya’s reaction?

Ans. Dhan Nanda insulted Chanakya. He ordered Chankaya to be dragged out of the court into the dust outside. Chanakya reacted angrily. He vowed to destroy the whole Nanda clan to take his revenge. He also decided not to bind the open topknot of his hair until he fulfilled his vow.

Q4.How did Chanakya find the king he was looking for? What were the qualities that attracted him?

Ans. One day, in the city of Ushara, Chanakya saw a group of boys playing a game. A boy was playing the role of a king holding his court. That boy was fair and just in his dealings in the court. The boy also had a kingly air about himself and he was full of the sense of justice. Thus he found the would-be king of his choice.

Q5.Who was Amatsya Rakshasa? Why was he given this name?

Ans. Amatsya Rakshasa’s real name was Kathayana. He was the chief minister and a brilliant general of king Nanda. He was given the name of Amatsya Rakshasa because he was fierce like a demon.

Q6. Who was Jeevsidhi? How did he help Chanakya?

Ans. Jeevsidhi was a Jain monk and also astrogloger. Chanakya’s  best student Indusarma  got many secrets about Dhan Nanda  from Chandragupta. After that he became a close confidante of Dhan Nanda in Jeevsidhi’s disguise. He sent all secrets to Chanakya and helped him.

Q7. Name the books written by Chanakya. What are they about?

Ans. His books are Chanakyaniti, Nitishashtra and Arthshashtra. These are world famous books and are read till now. These are about political science, administration and economics.