Bindusara Biography

Bindusara was the second Mauryan Emperor of India, ruling from 297 BCE to 273 BCE. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, who established the empire under the guidance of Chanakya, the renowned Indian teacher, economist, and philosopher. Chanakya, regarded as a pioneer of political science and economics in India, also served as Bindusara's chief advisor during the early years of his reign. Bindusara was the father of Emperor Ashoka, one of India’s greatest rulers, who reigned from approximately 268 BCE to 232 BCE. Ashoka expanded the Mauryan Empire to its zenith, covering nearly the entire Indian subcontinent, from present-day Bangladesh in the east to Afghanistan in the west. Historical accounts suggest that Bindusara was a competent and capable monarch who consolidated the empire established by his father. Some sources also indicate that he conducted successful military campaigns in the Deccan, halting his conquests near present-day Karnataka. This decision may have been influenced by the Mauryas’ amicable relations with the southern kingdoms of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. Additionally, Bindusara effectively suppressed rebellions in regions such as Takshashila and the northern mountain kingdoms. He relied on the military skills of his son Ashoka to quell these uprisings, showcasing his ability to maintain stability within the empire.