Was Chanakya a fictional character created by Bramhins?

 Is Chanakya a fictional character created by Bramhins?

Before deciding whether Chanakya existed or not, Let us in short know who Chanakya is (From textual references and folklores):

Chanakya, also known as Vishnugupta was a statesman, economist, political thinker. He is considered as one of the greatest strategiest in world history. He is also known as the writer of Chanakya Neeti and Arthashastra. He is widely considered as the teacher and guide of Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and is widely recognised as an important figure in the establishment of Mauryan Empire.

While there are no archeaogical references specifically proving the existence of Chanakya, but there are several historical and textual references that support his existence.

Here are some of the evidences that support the existence of Chanakya:

Historical Texts: Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, economics, and political strategy is attributed to Chanakya, it provides detailed insights into the political philosophy and sheer brilliance of Chanakya. The Arthshastra contains practical guidance on governance, foreign policy, military strategy and economic principles.

Buddhist Texts: Several Buddhist texts, including Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa, mention the story of Chanakya who played a vital role in the rise of Chandragupta Maurya as an emperor. 

Mahavamsa is a Buddhist Chronicle that provides a historical account of Sri Lankan history. It mentions Chanakya as a teacher and advisor of Chandragupta Maurya. It also discusses how Chanakya was instrumental in creating Mauryan Empire, and how significant he was as a person in the rise of Chandragupta Maurya to throne.

The accounts of Chanakya can be found in Mahavamsa in Chapter VII, specifically in section 22,23 and 24.

Dipavamsa is another buddhist chronicle which highlights the role of Chanakya as a Minister in the Mauryan Administration, and his contribution in the establishment of the Mauryan Empire. Here Chanakya is highlighted as an wise and capable advisor of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 

The accounts of Chanakya can be found in Chapter IX of Dipavamsa, specifically in section 10 and 11.

Jain Texts: The Parishishtaparvan by Hemachandra and the Rajavali Katha are Jain texts that mention Chanakya in relation to the establishment of the Mauryan Empire.

Parishishtaparvan is a supplementary text to the Mahapurana by Jinasena. Chanakya is mentioned in Chapter 8 of the Parishishtaparvan. This Chapter discusses the rise of Chandragupta Maurya as an Emperor with the aid and guidance of Chanakya. Here Chankyas role as an advisor and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya are discussed.

The Rajavali Katha recounts the history of various dynasties in India. Here Chanakya is mentioned in Chapter 7,9 and 12. These chapters focus on the political events and strategies employed by Chanakya in the establishment of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

Kamandakiya Nitisara: In Kamandakiya Nitisara Chanakya is mentioned in several chapters. Here are some of the chapters where Chanakya is mentioned:

Chapter 1: This chapter introduces the concept of Rajaniti (polity) and discusses the importance of a wise and skilled king. Although Chanakya's name might not be explicitly mentioned in this chapter, the principles and strategies associated with Chanakya's teachings are often referenced.

 Chapter 2: This chapter focuses on the qualities and duties of a king. It discusses various aspects of governance, including diplomacy, administration, and warfare. Chanakya's ideas and teachings are often cited in this chapter.

 Chapter 4: This chapter explores the importance of advisors and ministers in a king's court. It emphasizes the qualities a king should seek in his advisors and the role of ministers in providing counsel and guidance. Chanakya's role as a political advisor is often discussed in this context.

 Chapter 11: This chapter delves into the topic of diplomacy and foreign relations. It discusses strategies for dealing with neighboring kingdoms, making alliances, and maintaining peace. Chanakya's diplomatic strategies and his role as an ambassador and negotiator are mentioned here.

Spitzer Manuscript: The Spitzer manuscript is the oldest surviving sanskrit manuscript, it has sections from the Arthshastra and Manusmriti in the kharosthi script and the oldest Vinaya texts have also been discovered in the Bajaur Collection. The Arthasastra is mentioned and dozens of its verses have been found on fragments of manuscript treatises buried in ancient Buddhist monasteries of northwest China, Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan. This includes the Spitzer Manuscript (200 CE) discovered near Kizil in China and the birch bark scrolls now a part of the Bajaur Collection (1st to 2nd century CE) discovered in the ruins of a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Buddhist site in 1999.

There are other historical texts that mentions the name Chanakya (e.g. Panchatantra), Vishnugupta (e.g. Kamandaka's Nitisara), both Chanakya and Vishnugupta (Dandin's Dashakumaracharita), or Kautilya (e.g. Bana's Kadambari).

These textual evidences provide strong indications of Chanakya's existence and his importance on the establishment of Mauryan Empire.

Thank You for reading this blog. Hopefully it was knowledgeable and informative.

Jai Shree Ram