Canakya—Was He a Jaina?
By Muni Mahendra Kumar 'Prathам'
Summary
Muni Mahendra Kumar ‘Pratham’ investigates whether Chanakya, better known as Kautilya, the celebrated adviser to Chandragupta Maurya and author of the Arthashastra, was a follower of Jainism. Drawing on a wide range of Jaina canonical and commentarial texts—including the Avashyaka Churni, Upadesha-pada, Bhatta-paitiya and other narratives—he argues that Jain sources repeatedly describe Chanakya as a śrāvaka (lay devotee) and present his life as an example of Jaina values. The article recounts Chanakya’s early life and his role in bringing about the downfall of the Nanda dynasty. It notes that Chanakya’s master, Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, was himself a Jaina and ultimately renounced his throne under the guidance of Ācārya Bhadrabāhu. Chanakya is depicted as a householder who studied Jaina scriptures, received spiritual instruction from monks, and practised austerities while serving as prime minister. When political intrigues forced him into exile, he took refuge with Jaina monks and eventually renounced worldly attachments. The author cites passages where Chanakya confesses his wrongs, adopts lay vows and undertakes sallekhana, the ritual fast unto death. The article also addresses objections from historians who argue that Chanakya could not have been a Jaina because he advocated the harsh realpolitik found in the Arthashastra. Muni Mahendra Kumar responds that Jain texts accept the necessity of statecraft in an imperfect world and do not prohibit śrāvakas from holding political office, provided they observe ethical restraints. He explains that external symbols such as the sacred thread or topknot, sometimes cited as proof of Brahmanical affiliation, were not uncommon among early Jain laymen. The article concludes that while Chanakya’s Brahmanical background is acknowledged, the cumulative evidence from Jaina literature suggests he embraced Jain faith and values, especially in his later years, and invites scholars to re-examine accepted assumptions about historical figures like Chanakya.
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Conclusion
Although definitive proof remains elusive, the study shows that early Jain texts repeatedly associate Chanakya with the Jaina community and depict him as a lay practitioner who ultimately renounced worldly life. By analysing stories about his birth, service to Chandragupta, spiritual training and ritual fast unto death, the author argues that Chanakya’s reputation as a strategist does not preclude his adherence to Jain values. The article encourages historians to reconsider rigid classifications of ancient figures and highlights the influence of Jainism on politics and personal conduct during the Mauryan era.