queen. Artistic reconstruction by the author, based on information from the tomb of the Scythian kings in Ukok, Altai.
Chapter 2. Aristotle – Chanakya and Alexander – Chandragupta. Teacher and Student
Chandra-Gupta (Alexander). Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Chanakya (Aristotle). Artistic reconstruction by the author.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the accumulated archaeological evidence made it impossible to remain silent about India’s history and the lack of given attention to its study.
During the 19th century, a number of researchers cautiously revealed some of the most significant events and personalities in Indian history. However, in that particular period, it was unfeasible to assert openly and explicitly that the complete ancient Hellenistic civilization was a part of the Indian history, due to political biases in colonial ties and prevailing erroneous ideologies.
The ancient city of Pataliputra. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
The discoveries made in the East during the 18th and 19th centuries served as shocking evidence of an ancient, remarkable civilization that was previously unknown to the Europeans. Their dogmas were crumbling before the ordinary masses and the educated elites, who had not the slightest idea of reality.
This finding shattered the previously held prejudice that savagery, barbarism and primitive conditions were prevalent outside of the Western Europe.
Ancient cities of India. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Needless to say, it was unlikely for Western European scholars to acknowledge the modern civilization’s origin, especially in India, since this territory held a vital importance to the British Empire, given the vast resources it possessed for sustaining British global supremacy. It was highly taboo to view the history of global civilization beyond a limited, Europe-centric perspective. However, in Indian history, it was necessary to mention two significant personalities in the scholarly research process in order to avoid potential bias favoring the colonial nations ruling circles. As the English proverb goes, «If you can’t beat ’em, join «em». We are referring to the eminent scholar Aristotle and his equally eminent student Alexander the Great, – world empire creators that united the entire world into a single cultural and political whole.
Ruins of the ancient University in Taxila, documentary photography, freely available.
Aristotle’s «return» to his homeland, India, under the name of Chanakya, gives us an opportunity to trace the geography, without which, historical science cannot fully exist.
The university in which Aristotle – Chanakya taught and supervised was located at Taxila.
The scientific community has reached a general consensus that Aristotle and his student Alexander the Great have been known by the names they used in their lifetimes or, at the very least, in ancient times.
Ancient Academy. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
There are several archaeological discoveries, such as busts and sculptures depicting their likeness, as well as inscriptions with their names from the same era. It was necessary to invent alternative names for Indian history, which was being recreated in the early 20th century. For instance, Chanakya was used as a replacement for Aristotle. The name Chanakya refers to one of the main characters in the book «Mudrarakshasa,» which is a retelling of the Hellenistic myth of Damon and Pythias. This same myth was also used in Schiller’s ballad «Die Bürgschaft» in 1799. However, Bharatendu (Rasa), the esteemed founder of Hindi literature, published «Mudrarakshasa» much later, in 1875. Hence, it is evident that Chanakya was named after Aristotle.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Aristotle’s primary work, namely «Politics,» is of immense value for comprehending the nature of his career as both a philosopher and political theorist. Similarly, in 1909, Chanakya’s primary political and economic work, the Arthashastra, was published. Numerous scholars have analyzed the dispute regarding which work takes precedence – Chanakya’s «Arthashastra» or Aristotle’s «Politics.» But it is essential to acknowledge that Aristotle and Chanakya are, in fact, one and the same individual. It is futile to argue which book is primary.»
Arthashastra, literally translated from Sanskrit, means «the science of ruling over the material world,» which can be perceived as an artistic depiction of the concept of «politics».
Having examined all relevant evidence pertaining to both Aristotle and Chanakya and concluding that they are the same person, it is clear that ancient India, the center region of what was known as Europe in the ancient times, served as a nexus point for the lives and achievements of numerous heroes, scholars, and other figures from antiquity. This conclusion is based purely on objective analysis without any personal bias.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Aryas. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Chanakya and Aristotle: a Comparative Biography
Ancient Academy. Artistic reconstruction by the author.
Chanakya 370—283 B.C. Artistic reconstruction by the author based on archival materials from India.
Chanakya, a renowned scholar and teacher, wrote notable political and economic works. Chanakya studied at the renowned university of Taxila: the most famous learning centre of his time. Despite the fact that Chanakya’s parents are never spoken about beyond this period, it can be speculated that they had passed away prior to his enrollment at the University, as he never met or spoke of them again. Upon completing his studies at the University, Chanakya accepted the position of teacher (acharya) at the same institution. There are no details regarding Chanakya’s birthplace or his parents’ place of residence. Chanakya’s life revolves around two focal points: the Taxila University and the capital city of Pataliputra.
Aristotle 384—322 B.C. Artistic reconstruction by the author in the European historical tradition.
Aristotle was a renowned academic
