Sandrokottos: The Maurya Ruler Known to the Greeks
- The Maurya ruler known as "Sandrokottos" to the Greeks is Chandragupta Maurya.
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire and ruled from 322 BCE to 298 BCE. He is known for his military campaigns and the establishment of a centralized and powerful empire in ancient India. Here is a detailed explanation of his identification as "Sandrokottos" by the Greeks:
- Greek Accounts: The identification of Chandragupta Maurya as "Sandrokottos" comes from the accounts of Greek historians. The most prominent among them is Megasthenes, who served as a Greek ambassador to the Maurya court.
- Megasthenes' Account: Megasthenes wrote a book called "Indica," which provided valuable information about ancient India. In his account, Megasthenes referred to Chandragupta Maurya as "Sandrokottos."
- Trade Relations: The Greeks had trade relations with the Maurya Empire, and Chandragupta Maurya had diplomatic exchanges with Greek rulers. These interactions led to the Greeks adopting a Greek version of his name, which resulted in "Sandrokottos."
- Historical References: Apart from Megasthenes, other Greek historians such as Diodorus Siculus and Strabo also mentioned "Sandrokottos" in their works. These references further validate the identification of Chandragupta Maurya as "Sandrokottos."
- Importance: The Greek accounts of Chandragupta Maurya provide valuable insights into the political, cultural, and social aspects of ancient India. They contribute to our understanding of the Maurya Empire and its interactions with the Hellenistic world.
In conclusion, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, is known as "Sandrokottos" to the Greeks. This identification is based on the accounts of Greek historians, including Megasthenes, who served as a Greek ambassador to the Maurya court. The Greek version of his name, "Sandrokottos," was used due to trade relations and diplomatic exchanges between the Maurya Empire and the Greek rulers.