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U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2002

Mauryan History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Kautilya was prime minister of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The partnership between a strategist (Kautilya) and a warrior-king (Chandragupta Maurya) is the legendary foundation of India's first great empire.

Explanation Historical traditions (Puranas, Mudrarakshasa) and the Arthashastra itself identify the author as the architect of Chandragupta Maurya's victory over the Nandas.

Logical Breakup
Chandragupta Maurya (C): The founder of the Mauryan dynasty whom Kautilya trained and advised.
Chandragupta Vikramaditya (A): A Gupta king who ruled nearly 700 years after Kautilya.
Ashoka (B): Chandragupta's grandson; though Kautilya's principles influenced him, he was not Ashoka's PM.

Active Recall

Question

What was Kautilya's primary motivation for aiding Chandragupta?

Answer

To seek revenge against the Nanda king Dhana Nanda for an insult and to unify India under a strong, ethical central authority.

Core Insight

Kautilya represents the ideal of the 'Philosopher-Statesman' whose intellectual labor provided the administrative backbone for imperial unification.

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