The Mauryan Polity c5.s3.t1.1

c5.s3.t1.1

Equally important is the fixing of the date of the visit. Megasthenes was the representative of Seleukos at the Court of Sibyrtius, Satrap of Arachosia. He was sent to Pāṭaliputra, Candragupta’s Court, as King’s ambassador. Seleukos Nikator defeated Demetrios, son of Antigonus, in B.C. 312 and got possession of Babylon. He continued to extend his successful march until he reached India in B.C. 305. Perhaps a war broke out which ultimately dwindled into petty skirmishes. Seleukos felt the weight of the strong arm of Candragupta and preferred the path of negotiations to the actual field-operations. By entering into a treaty with Candragupta, Seleukos got a free hand for settling the affairs of the West. In connection with this Megasthenes was sent to the court of Candragupta.