Bindusara

Bindusara (c. 320 BCE – c. 273 BCE) was the second ruler of the Maurya dynasty of ancient India, succeeding his father Chandragupta Maurya and preceding his more famous son Ashoka the Great. He ruled for nearly three decades, overseeing one of the largest empires in the ancient world, which stretched across most of the Indian subcontinent. Despite his historical importance, relatively little is known about his reign compared to that of Chandragupta and Ashoka.

Background and Early Life

Bindusara was the son of Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Mauryan Empire, and Durdhara. Ancient sources differ on his birth details, but it is generally agreed that he was born around 320 BCE, just before Chandragupta consolidated his rule over Magadha.
According to Jain and Buddhist traditions, Bindusara grew up under the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya), the prime minister and mentor of Chandragupta. After Chandragupta’s abdication (traditionally said to have occurred when he embraced Jainism and died in Shravanabelagola), Bindusara ascended the throne of the Mauryan Empire.

Reign and Administration

Bindusara’s reign (c. 297 – c. 273 BCE) was marked by stability and consolidation rather than expansion. The empire extended from Bengal in the east to present-day Afghanistan and Baluchistan in the west, and from the Himalayas in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south.
Key features of his reign include:

• Territorial Expansion: Greek sources credit Bindusara with extending Mauryan control deeper into the Deccan, reaching as far south as Karnataka. He is said to have subdued “sixteen kings” and added the southern territories between the eastern and western seas to his empire, though he did not annex Kalinga (which was later conquered by Ashoka).
• Administrative Continuity: He largely retained the bureaucratic and administrative structure created by Chandragupta and Kautilya. The Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, likely continued to influence governance during his rule.
• Internal Stability: His reign is not associated with major wars or upheavals, suggesting effective governance and consolidation.

Relations with Foreign Powers

Bindusara maintained diplomatic relations with foreign rulers. Greek records, especially those of Strabo and Athenaeus, mention contacts between the Mauryan court and the Seleucid Empire of West Asia.
One notable exchange recorded by Athenaeus suggests that Bindusara requested from Antiochus I (Seleucid ruler) gifts of figs, sweet wine, and a philosopher. Antiochus reportedly sent figs and wine but declined to send a philosopher. These accounts illustrate both the prosperity of the Mauryan court and the cross-cultural exchanges of the time.

Titles and Epithets

Bindusara was known by several names in different traditions:

• Amitraghata (“Slayer of Enemies”) – mentioned in Greek accounts as “Amitrochates.”
• Bindusara – the most common name, though its etymology is debated.
• Jain and Buddhist texts also sometimes refer to him by variant names.

Family and Succession

Bindusara is believed to have had many wives and several children. Among his most notable sons were:

• Ashoka, who became the third Mauryan emperor and one of India’s greatest rulers.
• Susima, the elder son, who was initially considered heir but lost the succession struggle to Ashoka.
• Tishyaraksha and other children, mentioned in later traditions.

The succession was reportedly contested, with Ashoka ultimately emerging victorious after a struggle with his brothers.

Legacy

Although overshadowed by his father and son, Bindusara played a crucial role in:

• Maintaining the vast empire established by Chandragupta.
• Laying the groundwork for Ashoka’s later expansion and consolidation.
• Strengthening Mauryan authority in the Deccan region.

He is remembered as a bridge between the empire’s founder and its most celebrated ruler, ensuring continuity and stability in the Mauryan dynasty during a formative period in Indian history.