Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c11.63

c11.63

Chandragupta's first emergence from obscurity into the full view of history occurs in 326-25 B.C. when he met Alexander. The fact is recorded by two of the classical writers, viz., Justin, who draw upon the history of Trogus, and Plutarch. The young Maurya might have acquainted the Macedonian invader with conditions in Eastern India. "Alexander", he is reported to have said in later times, "narrowly missed making himself master of the country, since its king was hated and despised by his subjects for the weakness of his disposition and the meanness of his origin."¹ Details of the original speech and the manner in which it was delivered are not recorded. But we are told by Justin that its tone gave offence to the Macedonian king who gave orders to kill the Indian lad. The latter sought safety by a speedy flight². Curiously enough some modern editors emend the text of Justin and propose to read *Nandrum* in place of *Alexandrum*. The name Nanda, however, is not known from any other classical source, and Plutarch, who also refers to the meeting between Alexander and "Androcottos", makes separate mention of the king or kings of the Prasii. Classical writers record other instances of Alexander's impatience with boldness of language. The cases of Cleitus and Callisthenes may be recalled in this connection³.