Chandragupta+Maurya

554 words Through decades, one’s definition of greatness has changed dramatically. For example, in the ancient world a “great” leader would be one with military power as well as political power. However, in more recent years a “great” leader demonstrates more intellectual power as well as passion for whatever they are leading - in this case, an empire. Chandragupta Maurya displayed passion as well as military power through his rule of the Mauryan Empire. Throughout his short life, Chandragupta Maurya made many decisions that greatly affected the success and status of ancient India. Though few decisions of his resulted in unnecessary fatalities, Maurya sculpted the Asian world into a more economically/politically stable area through his consistent reunification of India. Some of his greatest accomplishments were taking over Punjab in 317 BCE and establishing the Mauryan Empire in 320 BCE.

From the beginning of his reign, Chandragupta Maurya demonstrated an immense amount of military power. One example of this is his military takeover of Punjab. In 317 BCE, a war broke out between one of Alexander’s successors, Peithon, who ruled the province of Media, and the rulers of other provinces that he attempted to subjugate. This weakness was used by Maurya to conquer Taxila, the capital of Punjab. After many battles, all of Punjab was captured by Maurya. By the age of 20, Maurya had captured all of northern India. He demonstrated great leadership by leading successful expeditions to expand his ever-growing empire. Although these military endeavors lead to the establishment and security of many people, others lost their lives fighting for their homes. Although killing does not demonstrate great leadership skills, Maurya did it for a greater cause - the establishment of an empire that would grow to be one of the the largest and most prosperous of its kind.

Shortly after Maurya conquered the Punjab, he began to build his empire, wiping out other small nations like the Nanda which was in current day India. Portraying many excellent leadership skills, Maurya took forth the painful task of expanding his empire by not only leading multiple successful military expeditions, but also instituting a strong system of government. In the middle of his reign in 310 BCE, Maurya had conquered the majority of India. After conquering northern India, he then expanded northwest into modern day Pakistan. After his death at age 40 many emperors ruled the empire, but they could not hold off other empires’ attacks due to the lack of soldiers and the poor quality of commanders. The empire eventually declined in 302 BC due to an assassination which led to a new ruler who later created the Sunga dynasty.

Chandragupta Maurya was the world's greatest leader due to the passion he showed for his people, as well as the fierce military power he utilized to create a historically eternal empire. He portrayed all of the characteristics of a great leader through his successful, but short-lived life. He has accomplished many tasks in his life including, taking over Taxila, the capital of Punjab, and establishing the Maurya Empire. For these reasons, Chandragupta Maurya is the greatest leader that has ever walked this earth.

Lendering, Jona. Livius, "Maurya Dynasty." Last modified March 26, 2011. Rubric Grade: 12 Wikipedia, "Chandragupta Maurya." Last modified July 11, 2011. Rubric Grade: 13