Bindusara: The Second Mauryan Emperor

  Bindusara, the second emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, ruled India from c. 297 to c. 273 BCE. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya, the fo...

 

Bindusara, the second emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, ruled India from c. 297 to c. 273 BCE. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, and the father of the legendary Ashoka, one of India's greatest emperors. Bindusara’s rule marked a continuation of the policies and expansion set forth by his father, consolidating the empire across a vast region. His life, though less documented than his father and son, is surrounded by both historical and legendary accounts.

The Inheritance of a Vast Empire

Bindusara inherited a large and prosperous empire established by his father. Chandragupta Maurya had built a vast dominion with the help of Chanakya, a prominent Indian philosopher and economist. Chanakya also played an important role in Bindusara's rule, continuing to guide him as his chief advisor. During his reign, Bindusara was able to consolidate and possibly expand the territories, especially toward the Deccan, though the extent of his military campaigns remains debated. Some sources suggest he halted his southern advance due to amicable relations with southern kingdoms like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas.

Accounts of His Life and Reign

The historical documentation of Bindusara’s reign is sparse. Most of the information comes from various Jain and Buddhist texts, along with mentions in the Hindu Puranas. These sources include:

• Jain Legends: The Jain text Parishishta-Parvan by Acharya Hemachandra mentions Bindusara, including details about his lineage and reign.
• Buddhist Texts: Several Buddhist works, such as Mahavamsa, Dipavamsa, and Divyavadana, also provide information, though often mixed with legends about Ashoka.
• Hindu Puranas: The Puranas, particularly the Vishnu Purana, briefly mention Bindusara’s role in continuing the Mauryan lineage.

Birth, Name, and Legends

Many legends surround Bindusara’s birth and name. According to the Parishishta-Parvan, Bindusara’s mother was Durdhara, the wife of Chandragupta Maurya. Other texts, such as Dipavamsa, present differing accounts of his ancestry, with some associating him with other dynasties like the Shishunaga or Haryanka. Additionally, there are speculations that he may have had Greek ancestry through a matrimonial alliance between Chandragupta and the Seleucids, though no concrete evidence supports this claim.

The origin of Bindusara’s name is also subject to legend. According to the Mahavamsa, Chanakya accidentally poisoned Bindusara’s mother while trying to immunize Chandragupta against assassination attempts. Chanakya saved the unborn child by surgically removing him from his mother’s womb. The baby was born with blood droplets (bindu) on his body, which gave him the name Bindusara, meaning "the strength of the drop."

Territory and Military Campaigns

There is debate about whether Bindusara expanded the Mauryan Empire or simply maintained the territories his father had conquered. Some historians, like Upinder Singh, suggest that Bindusara inherited an empire that stretched from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. His campaigns, if any, were directed toward the Deccan plateau, though his friendship with southern rulers may have limited further expansion. However, Tibetan scholar Taranatha records that Bindusara destroyed the nobility of sixteen towns with Chanakya’s assistance, implying he faced and suppressed rebellions rather than initiating new conquests.

Relation with Chanakya

Bindusara's relationship with his chief advisor, Chanakya, continued to be influential throughout his reign. According to Jain texts, Chanakya played a key role in ensuring Bindusara’s succession to the throne and remained an important figure in his administration. However, a legend suggests that Chanakya's life ended tragically due to court intrigues. Subandhu, a minister jealous of Chanakya’s influence, poisoned Bindusara's opinion of him by revealing that Chanakya had caused his mother’s death. In response, Chanakya retired and starved himself to death. When the truth about his mother’s death was revealed, Bindusara tried to reconcile with Chanakya, but it was too late. This story highlights the complexities of court politics during Bindusara’s reign.

Administration and Governance

Bindusara’s governance, though not as well-documented as that of his son Ashoka, appears to have been marked by stability. According to the Ashokavadana, Bindusara had a council of 500 advisors, and his son Ashoka was sent to quell a rebellion in Takshashila. This episode suggests that Bindusara entrusted important military campaigns to his capable son, who later became one of the most famous rulers in Indian history. Ashoka successfully pacified the revolt without facing significant resistance, indicating the emperor’s authority over the empire.

Diplomatic Relations

Bindusara maintained diplomatic relations with foreign powers, particularly the Greeks. His reign is noted for its cosmopolitan character, as he welcomed envoys from distant lands. His interest in philosophy and culture was also evident, and he was known for his tolerance toward different religious sects, a trait that likely influenced Ashoka’s later embrace of Buddhism.

Family and Legacy

Bindusara is said to have had 101 sons from 16 wives, though only a few are mentioned prominently in historical texts. Ashoka and Tishya were the most notable of his sons, with Ashoka going on to become the most famous ruler of the dynasty. Ashoka’s mother is identified as Subhadrangi in some texts, while others name her Janapadakalyani or Dhamma.

There are various accounts of how Ashoka came to the throne after Bindusara’s death. The Ashokavadana suggests that officials like Khallataka and Radhagupta helped Ashoka seize power. Other sources, such as the Mahavamsa, mention that Ashoka had already been serving as the viceroy of Ujjayini during his father’s reign.

Bindusara’s death occurred around 273-272 BCE, though the exact date is debated among historians. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his succession, Bindusara’s reign provided the foundation for the Maurya Empire’s continued dominance under Ashoka.

Personality and Interests

Apart from his political achievements, Bindusara is remembered for his love of culture and philosophy. He was an admirer of nature and spent time in the royal gardens, appreciating the beauty of his surroundings. His interest in philosophy led to discussions with scholars, reflecting his intellectual curiosity. Bindusara’s personality is said to have been approachable, with a sense of humor that endeared him to those around him. Despite being an emperor, he was known for his humility, which contributed to his popularity among his subjects.

Conclusion

Though less celebrated than his father Chandragupta and his son Ashoka, Bindusara played a vital role in the Maurya dynasty's history. His reign was a period of consolidation and stability, ensuring that the vast empire built by Chandragupta would be preserved and passed on to Ashoka. His diplomatic relations with the Greeks, suppression of revolts, and patronage of culture reflect a ruler who was both politically astute and culturally sophisticated. While many aspects of his life remain shrouded in legend, Bindusara’s legacy endures as a key figure in ancient Indian history.