Reading and Comprehension.

Chanakya and the Rise of Chandragupta Maurya.

More than 2,000 years ago, in ancient India, there lived a wise teacher named Chanakya, also known as Kautilya. He was a brilliant scholar and an expert in politics and strategy. During that time, northern India was ruled by the Nanda dynasty, whose king was rich but very arrogant and unfair to his people.

One day, Chanakya visited the Nanda court, but the proud king insulted him in front of everyone. Angered and humiliated, Chanakya took a vow — he would not tie his hair until he overthrew the Nanda king and established a new ruler who would bring justice to the people.

While wandering through the villages, Chanakya met a bright and courageous boy named Chandragupta. He saw great leadership qualities in him and decided to train him in warfare, administration, and diplomacy. Under Chanakya’s strict guidance, Chandragupta grew into a wise and powerful young man.

Together, Chanakya and Chandragupta gathered an army and fought bravely against the Nanda dynasty. After many struggles, they finally succeeded. Chandragupta Maurya became the first emperor of the Mauryan Empire, one of the greatest empires in Indian history.

Chanakya served as his chief advisor and helped him rule wisely. His teachings on governance, found in the book Arthashastra, are still admired today. The partnership between Chanakya and Chandragupta became a symbol of intelligence, determination, and good leadership.

Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the following:

1. Who was Chanakya, and what was he known for?

2. Why did Chanakya take a vow against the Nanda king?

3. How did Chanakya and Chandragupta meet?

4. What qualities did Chanakya see in Chandragupta?

5. What was the name of the empire that Chandragupta founded?

6. What is the Arthashastra?

B. True or False:

1. The Nanda king treated Chanakya with great respect.

2. Chandragupta was trained by Chanakya in warfare and politics.

3. The Mauryan Empire became one of the strongest empires in ancient India.

4. Chanakya’s teachings are forgotten today.

C. Vocabulary Check:

Find the meanings of these words from the story:

1. Scholar

2. Diplomacy

3. Empire

4. Determination

D. Think and Answer:

1. Why do you think Chanakya chose Chandragupta as the future ruler?

2. What qualities make a good leader according to this story?

3. How can students learn from the relationship between Chanakya and Chandragupta?