The ancient city of Pataliputra. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
The discoveries made in the East during the 18th and 19th centuries served as shocking evidence of an ancient, remarkable civilization that was previously unknown to the Europeans. Their dogmas were crumbling before the ordinary masses and the educated elites, who had not the slightest idea of reality.
This finding shattered the previously held prejudice that savagery, barbarism and primitive conditions were prevalent outside of the Western Europe.
Ancient cities of India. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Needless to say, it was unlikely for Western European scholars to acknowledge the modern civilizations origin, especially in India, since this territory held a vital importance to the British Empire, given the vast resources it possessed for sustaining British global supremacy. It was highly taboo to view the history of global civilization beyond a limited, Europe-centric perspective. However, in Indian history, it was necessary to mention two significant personalities in the scholarly research process in order to avoid potential bias favoring the colonial nations ruling circles. As the English proverb goes, «If you cant beat em, join «em». We are referring to the eminent scholar Aristotle and his equally eminent student Alexander the Great, world empire creators that united the entire world into a single cultural and political whole.
Ruins of the ancient University in Taxila, documentary photography, freely available.
Aristotles «return» to his homeland, India, under the name of Chanakya, gives us an opportunity to trace the geography, without which, historical science cannot fully exist.
The university in which Aristotle Chanakya taught and supervised was located at Taxila.
The scientific community has reached a general consensus that Aristotle and his student Alexander the Great have been known by the names they used in their lifetimes or, at the very least, in ancient times.
Ancient Academy. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
There are several archaeological discoveries, such as busts and sculptures depicting their likeness, as well as inscriptions with their names from the same era. It was necessary to invent alternative names for Indian history, which was being recreated in the early 20th century. For instance, Chanakya was used as a replacement for Aristotle. The name Chanakya refers to one of the main characters in the book «Mudrarakshasa,» which is a retelling of the Hellenistic myth of Damon and Pythias. This same myth was also used in Schillers ballad «Die Bürgschaft» in 1799. However, Bharatendu (Rasa), the esteemed founder of Hindi literature, published «Mudrarakshasa» much later, in 1875. Hence, it is evident that Chanakya was named after Aristotle.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Aristotles primary work, namely «Politics,» is of immense value for comprehending the nature of his career as both a philosopher and political theorist. Similarly, in 1909, Chanakyas primary political and economic work, the Arthashastra, was published. Numerous scholars have analyzed the dispute regarding which work takes precedence Chanakyas «Arthashastra» or Aristotles «Politics.» But it is essential to acknowledge that Aristotle and Chanakya are, in fact, one and the same individual. It is futile to argue which book is primary.»
Arthashastra, literally translated from Sanskrit, means «the science of ruling over the material world,» which can be perceived as an artistic depiction of the concept of «politics».
Having examined all relevant evidence pertaining to both Aristotle and Chanakya and concluding that they are the same person, it is clear that ancient India, the center region of what was known as Europe in the ancient times, served as a nexus point for the lives and achievements of numerous heroes, scholars, and other figures from antiquity. This conclusion is based purely on objective analysis without any personal bias.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Chanakya and Aristotle: a Comparative Biography
Ancient Academy. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Chanakya 370283 B.C. Artistic reconstruction by the author based on archival materials from India.
Chanakya, a renowned scholar and teacher, wrote notable political and economic works. Chanakya studied at the renowned university of Taxila: the most famous learning centre of his time. Despite the fact that Chanakyas parents are never spoken about beyond this period, it can be speculated that they had passed away prior to his enrollment at the University, as he never met or spoke of them again. Upon completing his studies at the University, Chanakya accepted the position of teacher (acharya) at the same institution. There are no details regarding Chanakyas birthplace or his parents place of residence. Chanakyas life revolves around two focal points: the Taxila University and the capital city of Pataliputra.
Aristotle 384322 B.C. Artistic reconstruction by the author in the European historical tradition.
Aristotle was a renowned academic and educator, revered for his seminal contributions to the fields of politics and economics. He served as a mentor and teacher to Alexander the Great. After the premature death of his parents in childhood, Aristotle was raised under the care of a guardian. When Aristotle turned 17, he enrolled in Platos Academy, which was the most highly regarded educational institution of the era. After completing his studies at the Academy, Aristotle embarked on a career as a teacher and remained at the institution for two decades, until he reached the age of thirty-seven. Aristotle soon left the academy and began teaching Alexander the Great in 343 BC. Aristotles life is associated with two specific locations: The Academy of Plato and the city of Athens.
Chanakya, the teacher and inspirer of Chandragupta. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Chanakya had a strong alliance with the mountain king Parvata, who staunchly supported his plans.
As per some versions of the hagiography, Chanakyas disciple, Chandragupta, was said to be the son of the king, who was deprived of his right to the throne and was thus forced to seize power. Due to a preplanned scheme, King Nanda was killed, and Chandragupta was able to ascend to the throne.
Aristotle and King Hermias had a close alliance. The king was heavily influenced by the philosophers teachings and frequently attended his lectures. Aristotle married the kings adopted daughter, Pythias.
In 337 BC, Philip the Second divorced Olympias, Alexanders mother, and married Cleopatra. As a result, Olympias left the royal court and the capital with her 18-year-old son. Philip anticipated that the young Queen Cleopatra would bear him a son, thus causing Alexander to lose his claim to the throne.
After the conspiracy, King Philip was assassinated and Alexander assumed the role of king.
Chanakya was a part of King Dhan Nandas inner circle. However, the king insulted and humiliated Chanakya, which prompted him to vow for revenge.
Upon meeting Chandragupta, who was still a young child, Chanakya began training him with the aim of elevating him to the royal throne.
Chanakya meticulously searched for a worthy candidate to carry out his plan, and he found young Chandragupta, who, even as a child, possessed the qualities of a natural leader and commanded respect from his peers.