Chandras Wife in the Epic Mahabharata and Mauryan Dynasty: Insights from Historical Sources

Seeking to explore the complex genealogy of the ancient Indian kingdoms, scholars and historians have delved into various texts and documents. In this article, we will uncover the different wives named Chandras in the ancient epics and historical texts, primarily focusing on the Mahabharata and the Mauryan Dynasty.

Shalya's Wife in the Mahabharata

Shalya, the elder brother of Madri, mother of the Pandava brothers Nakul and Sahadeva, played a significant role as the generalissimo of the Kaurava army during the Kurukshetra War. In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that Avantini, a princess of the Avanti kingdom, was Shalya's wife. The royal couple bore several children, including Madranjaya, Rukmanagada, Rukmanaratha, Sabidha, Tejasree, and Senajiti. These historical references provide a glimpse into the political and social dynamics of the time.

Wives of Chandragupta Maurya: A Historical Overview

The sources that provide information about Chandragupta Maurya's wives are diverse and include texts from different periods. Some of the notable sources are:

Excluding these, Arthshastra and Mudrarakshasa mention that the king had harems both in and outside the capital. Ashoka also mentions this in his rock edicts. Among the several wives, Chandragupta Maurya's chief queen was Durdhara. The name Durdhara is derived from 'durdharshi,' which means 'irresistible.' She was the most prominent queen and had a child, Bindusara, who would later succeed his father. Durdhara held a deep affection for Chandragupta Maurya, which is evident in the following story:

Once, when Durdhara was heavily pregnant, the couple was dining together in their room. Chanakya, the king's advisor, used to add poison to his meals to protect himself from poison. He shared his food with Durdhara, and unfortunately, the poison could not be tolerated by her body, resulting in her death. Chanakya performed an operation to save the baby, and the child, named Bindusara, was born with a mark on his forehead, which led to his name meaning 'the one with a drop of blood on his forehead.'

Another queen mentioned in ParisishtaParvan is the daughter of Nanda. However, this queen is only mentioned in one source, and it is debated whether Chandragupta had actually married a daughter of Nanda. According to historical records, Chandragupta himself has been referred to as a descendant of the Nandas, which makes this marriage unlikely. The text narrates that when Nand Nandini, the daughter of Nanda, expressed her love for Chandragupta, he rejected her, yet their eventual union led to no significant recognition in history.

Bhavishya Purana provides more interesting information about Chandragupta's marriage to a Yavani (presumably a Greek) princess named Suluva's daughter. This union involved a long-term rule, yet the names of Suluva and Paursa are not mentioned in other historical texts, making its records somewhat ambiguous.

Another notable mention is the marital alliance between Seleucid Empire and Mauryan Empire, as documented by Strabo and Appian. This treaty was made in 305 BCE after Chandragupta significantly defeated Seleucus. Both empires aimed to expand and consolidate their territories through this strategic alliance. One of Seleucus's beautiful daughters was wedded to Chandragupta, and she was highly beloved by him, earning the epithet 'Helena.' The royalty of Chandragupta were said to have worn sarees in a Grecian fashion, and he was also known for gifting his queen moon-shaped earrings.

Conclusion

Through the diverse historical sources, we can conclude that Chandras, both in the context of the Mahabharata and the Mauryan Dynasty, had multiple wives each contributing to the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history. These historical figures not only highlight the political alliances and strategic marriages of the time but also provide insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the era.