The question asks about the historical figure whom the Greeks referred to by a name meaning "slayer of enemies," identified as "Amritaghat" or "Amitraghata." This title was used by Greek writers to describe a specific Indian ruler.

Identifying the "Slayer of Enemies"

The term "Amritaghat" or "Amitraghata" translates from Sanskrit to "slayer of enemies." Ancient Greek sources, particularly those writing about the Maurya dynasty, mention a ruler with this epithet.

• Historical texts and accounts from Greek sources often refer to a successor of Chandragupta Maurya by a name sounding like "Amitrochates" or similar variations.
• Scholars have widely identified this name as a Greek transliteration of the Sanskrit title "Amitraghata."

Analyzing the Options for Amritaghat

Let's examine the given options to determine which ruler was known as the "Amritaghat" by the Greeks:

• Akbar: Akbar was a powerful emperor of the Mughal dynasty, which ruled India much later than the period when Greek writers were interacting with the Maurya Empire. He is not associated with the title "Amitraghata."
• Bindusara: Bindusara was the second emperor of the Maurya dynasty, succeeding his father Chandragupta Maurya. Historical evidence, particularly from Greek accounts, strongly suggests that Bindusara was known as "Amitrochates," which is believed to be the Greek version of "Amitraghata" or "Amritaghat."
• Ashok: Ashoka was the third emperor of the Maurya dynasty and Bindusara's son. While Ashoka was a great ruler and initially engaged in warfare (like the Kalinga War), the specific title "Amitraghata" is not attributed to him in Greek or Indian sources.
• Chandragupta: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire. He had significant interactions with the Greeks (Seleucus I Nicator), but the title "Amitraghata" is associated with his successor.

Based on historical evidence, the Greek writers referred to Bindusara, the son of Chandragupta Maurya, as "Amitrochates," interpreted as "Amritaghat" or "Amitraghata," meaning "slayer of enemies."

Bindusara and the Maurya Empire

Bindusara ruled the Maurya Empire from approximately 297 BCE to 273 BCE. While less is known about his reign compared to his father Chandragupta or his son Ashoka, Greek accounts indicate that he maintained friendly relations with the Seleucid Empire (the Greek kingdom established in Western Asia by Seleucus I Nicator). The title "Amitraghata" suggests that Bindusara was a capable ruler who dealt effectively with enemies, possibly suppressing revolts or expanding the empire's influence in certain regions.

Revision Table: Maurya Rulers and Greek Connections

Additional Information on Amritaghat and Bindusara

Bindusara's reign is important as it provided stability after Chandragupta's expansion and before Ashoka's significant transformation and propagation of Dhamma. While details about his military campaigns are sparse, the title "Amitraghata" given by the Greeks suggests he was not merely a passive ruler. Some texts mention a revolt in Taxila during his time, which was suppressed, potentially by his son Ashoka. His court also hosted Greek ambassadors, such as Deimachus, sent by Antiochus I Soter (son of Seleucus I).

The epithet "Slayer of Enemies" highlights Bindusara's role in consolidating and protecting the vast Maurya Empire inherited from his father. Understanding these Greek connections helps historians piece together information about the Maurya period from various sources.