Chandragupta Maurya and His Times c14.67

c14.67

**Philosophical Congress.** There were annual Philosophical Congresses assembled by the kings. At these they announced their own discoveries as to religion and philosophy. The Greeks say that they gave their suggestions as to agriculture and cattle and also advised on politics and general affairs of the country. The Upanishads speak of such learned Conferences of which they were themselves the products. The most famous of these was the Congress of Philosophers convened by king Janaka of Videha with Ṛishi Yājñavalkya as its most prominent figure.