Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c10.s1.29

c10.s1.29

Before we leave this subject it should be noted that the University of Takshaśilā, where Pāṇini and Jīvaka were taught, must have continued to exist in its pristine glory at the time of Chandra Gupta, teaching the medical science which was included in its curriculum as before. Arrian describes Takshaśilā as "a large and wealthy city and the most populous between the Indus and the Hydaspes." Pliny and Strabo also testify to its vast dimension and populousness. Its high repute as a wealthy city continued for many years after Alexander's invasion,¹ and its importance may be deduced from the fact that it continued to be the capital of the Punjab and residence of the viceroys under the early Maurya kings. Asoka lived here as viceroy during the lifetime of his father. These circumstances, as also the fact that we do not hear of any other university in Western India at the time of Chandra Gupta, confirm the aforesaid view. Though it is not distinctly stated in the Atthakathâ, as quoted by Turnour in his Mahâwanso,¹ that Kauṭilya, the minister of Chandra Gupta, was taught in the University of Takshaśilâ, yet, considering that he was an inhabitant of that town and that he achieved the knowledge of the three Vedas, could rehearse the Mantras and wrote several treatises on diverse subjects, we cannot resist the inference that he must have availed himself of the advantages which the university of his own town, so famous for its teaching in all the branches of learning, could afford.