Megasthenes was an ambassador who was sent to the court of which India...
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator, the Greek ruler of West Asia, to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Chandragupta Maurya was a powerful ruler who had conquered much of northern India and established a centralized government. Megasthenes was sent to establish diplomatic relations and to learn about the customs and culture of India.
Megasthenes' observations and accounts of India are recorded in his book, Indika, which is considered one of the earliest accounts of Indian civilization by a foreigner.
Some of the observations made by Megasthenes about India include:
1. Indian Society: He noted that Indian society was divided into four varnas or classes – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
2. Political Administration: He described the highly centralized administration of the Mauryan Empire, with its capital at Pataliputra.
3. Agriculture: Megasthenes noted that India was a land of great fertility and agriculture was the main source of livelihood for most people.
4. Religion: He observed that the people of India were deeply religious, and there were many different beliefs and practices.
5. Trade and Commerce: He noted that India was a wealthy land, with a bustling trade and commerce system that extended to other parts of the world.
Overall, Megasthenes' account of India provides valuable insights into the culture, customs, and society of ancient India.
Megasthenes was an ambassador who was sent to the court of which India...
Megasthenes was an ambassador who was sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra by the Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator. Magasthenes was a diplomat, author of an account of India, and the Indica.
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