According to Megasthenes, the guards of Chandragupta rode _________ decorated with gold and silver during royal processions.
elephants
Understanding Megasthenes and Chandragupta's Royal Processions
The question asks about the description provided by the ancient Greek historian and diplomat, Megasthenes, regarding the guards of Chandragupta Maurya during royal processions. Specifically, it wants to know which animals these guards rode, decorated with precious metals.
Who was Megasthenes?
Megasthenes was an ambassador of the Seleucid king Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra (modern Patna). He authored the book Indica, which is one of the most important sources of information about the Mauryan Empire and ancient India.
Although the original text of Indica is lost, parts of it have survived through quotes and summaries by later Greek writers like Arrian, Strabo, and Pliny. These fragments provide valuable insights into the administration, society, economy, and military of the Mauryan era.
Royal Processions in the Mauryan Empire
Megasthenes' account gives vivid descriptions of the grandeur of the Mauryan court and the elaborate royal processions. These processions were not just ceremonial events but also showcased the power and wealth of the emperor.
Analysis of Megasthenes' Description
According to the surviving accounts based on Megasthenes' Indica, the royal processions of Chandragupta were magnificent. The emperor himself was often carried in a palanquin or rode on an elephant. The guards accompanying the emperor were also notable for their appearance and the animals they rode.
Megasthenes described the guards riding elephants, which were richly adorned.
The description mentioned the use of decorations made of gold and silver on these animals.
Examining the Options
Let's look at the given options:
- Option 1: elephants
- Option 2: unicorns
- Option 3: bulls
- Option 4: horses
Based on the historical accounts derived from Megasthenes' Indica, the guards accompanying Chandragupta during royal processions were described as riding elephants, which were decorated with gold and silver ornaments. Unicorns are mythical creatures and were not used in processions. While bulls and horses were certainly used in ancient India, the specific description by Megasthenes for the emperor's personal guards during processions, specifically mentioning the gold and silver decoration, points towards elephants.
Therefore, the animal mentioned by Megasthenes that the guards of Chandragupta rode, decorated with gold and silver during royal processions, is elephants.
| Animal | Mentioned by Megasthenes for Royal Guards? | Decoration (Gold/Silver)? |
|---|---|---|
| Elephants | Yes (according to historical accounts) | Yes (according to historical accounts) |
| Unicorns | No (mythical) | N/A |
| Bulls | Not specifically for emperor's guards in processions | Unlikely with gold/silver for guards' mounts |
| Horses | Used in military/processions, but Megasthenes description for guards with specific decoration points to elephants | Possible, but accounts emphasize elephants in this specific context |
Conclusion
The account of Megasthenes in Indica highlights the prominent role of elephants in the Mauryan military and royal displays. The description of guards riding richly decorated elephants during royal processions is a specific detail attributed to his observations.
Revision Table: Key Facts about Megasthenes and Mauryan Processions
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Megasthenes | Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court |
| Indica | Book written by Megasthenes describing India; survived in fragments |
| Chandragupta Maurya | Founder of the Mauryan Empire |
| Royal Processions | Elaborate events showcasing emperor's power and wealth |
| Guards' Mounts | Elephants, according to Megasthenes |
| Decoration | Gold and silver used on the elephants |
Additional Information: The Significance of Elephants in Ancient India
Elephants held a significant position in ancient Indian society, particularly in warfare and royal power display. They were considered a symbol of strength, royalty, and prosperity.
- Military Use: Elephants were a crucial component of the army, used to break enemy formations, carry soldiers, and provide a vantage point. The Mauryan army, as described in sources like Kautilya's Arthashastra and fragments of Indica, had a large elephant corps.
- Royal Symbolism: Riding an elephant was often associated with kingship and authority. Royal processions frequently featured elephants, both as the emperor's mount and for accompanying personnel like guards.
- Economy: Capturing and training elephants was an important economic activity. Certain regions were known for providing high-quality elephants.
- Megasthenes' Account: Megasthenes was particularly impressed by the number and use of elephants in the Mauryan Empire, detailing their training and their role in the military and royal ceremonies. His description of decorated elephants in processions underscores their importance in projecting the image of the state.
Important Questions from Travellers in Ancient India
The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Xuan Zang, came to the Indian subcontinent about years ago.
The famous Arabic scholar Al Biruni came to contact with India through ______ in the eleventh century A.D.
In the seventeenth century, Peter Mundy, a foreign traveller from __________ visited India.
In the seventeenth century, Peter Mundy, a foreign traveller from ______ visited India.
The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien undertook a significant pilgrimage to India with the principal aim of collecting authentic Buddhist scriptures.
During whose reign did he extensively travel across the Gangetic plains and other regions of the Gupta Empire, meticulously documenting his observations of the socio-political and religious conditions of the era?
