[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.344 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.344 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.344 - **Language:** English ### [c5.344](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.344) CHĀNAKYA. A celebrated Brāhman, who took a leading part in the destruction of the Nandas, and in the elevation of Chandra-gupta to their throne. He was a great master of finesse and artifice, and has been called the Machiavelli of India. A work upon morals and polity called Chānakya Sūtra is ascribed to him. He is the chief character in the drama called Mudrā-rākshasa, and is known also by the names Vishnu-gupta and Kauṭilya. His maxims have been translated by Weber. - [Previous: c5.343](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.343) - [Next: c5.345](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.345) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) ## Cites (1) - [Mudrārākṣasa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.plays.rajacarita.mudraraksasa) — Viśākhadatta, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.344](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.344) · Pramāṇa