[Solved] Megasthenes: Greek Ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya

Famous Greek ambassador Megasthenes came to the court of which emperor?

[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Diplomatic relations between the Hellenistic West and the Mauryan East began with the exchange of ambassadors following the Seleucid-Mauryan treaty.

Authentic Source Evidence

Megasthenes was sent by the Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator as an ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra (c. 302 BCE).

Analytical Breakdown

Chandragupta Maurya (C): The emperor at whose court Megasthenes lived and wrote his detailed account, 'Indica'.

Ashoka (A): Succeeded Chandragupta by two generations; he received ambassadors like Dionysius but not Megasthenes.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the primary significance of Megasthenes' 'Indica'?"

It provides a rare detailed, albeit sometimes exaggerated, eye-witness account of Mauryan administration, the caste system, and the city of Pataliputra.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Megasthenes serves as the first reliable bridge between Greek and Indian historiography, providing a fixed chronological landmark for the Mauryan period."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Indica 3 Seleucus Nicator 3 Pataliputra 7