Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c11.67

c11.67

The narrative of Justin leaves the impression that after his departure from Alexander's camp Chandragupta retired to a forest tract, drew together a body of armed men and 'solicited the Indians to overthrow the existing government.' and support a new sovereignty⁴. Modern translators of Justin's text characterise the warriors who gathered round the Maurya as a band of robbers. But the original expression used by the Latin historian has the sense of mercenary soldier, hunter, as well as robber. The former senses are in consonance with Indian tradition. According to the story told in the *Parishishtaparvan* troops were levied for Chandragupta with wealth procured by metallurgy or mineralogy (*Dhātuvāda*) for the purpose of uprooting Nanda¹. The purpose of the levy stated in the Jainta text is important. In the light of this evidence ‘the overthrow of the existing government’ alluded to by Justin, can well be taken to refer to the subversion of the rule of the Nandas. As a matter of fact Justin in the earlier part of his narrative apparently draws a distinction between this event and the war with the prefects of Alexander, preparations for which were made thereafter (*deinde*). According to a subsequent passage, however, the winning of the throne and reigning over India seem to follow and result from the fight with the Macedonian commanders. The problem is not free from difficulties and our views have been stated in connection with the chronology of Chandragupta.