Guru Chanakya set out on a long journey accompanied by some chosen pupil with the convoy of the merchant Kubera. Their first stoppage was in the capital of Kaikya.
On the border of Kaikya kingdom Chief minister Indradutta himself was present to welcome Chanakya. Other officials of the state were also with him.
Indradutta had been classfellow of Chanakya when both of them were students of Taxila university. Chanakya was taken to the royal guest house and treated as a state guest. The two held long discussion.
Indradutta said, “Sir, your idea of a union of the kingdoms is noble. Who do you think is the best ruler amongst the lot who could lead the union? Have you given it a thought?”
“Indeed, I have! That was the first point I could proceed from. Without it idea could not work.”
“Would you mind revealing the name to me? Which kingdom could be nucleus state and the worthy king to become the union emperor?”
“In the present scenario Magadha qualifies to be that nucleus state,” Chanakya revealed.
“Magadha!” exclaimed Indradutta. His jaw had dropped. Apparantly it was a shocker for him.
“Why did it surprise you, minister?”
“The king Mahapadmananda of Magadha is a man of carnal pleasures, a degenerate debauchee. Then, he is a non-Aryan and of low caste! How can you expect him to provide able leadership to our land?”
“Minister, at present Magadha is the most powerful state and ruling capability of its king can not be questioned since he has expanded his empire upto far away Karnataka and Saurashtra. Let’s not be prejudiced.”
“That may be true. But our aim to create a union is to defend our culture and civilisation and Mahapadmananda is himself a destroyer of our traditions and values. You can well imagine the result.”
“Minister, whatever may be his birth origin he is the product of the Aryan land. The Aryan mind and conduct can be inculcated in him. If he fails to adopt Aryan values he will work his own downfall. Then, there are a lot of other Aryan options.”
“How will you do it?”
“He will be replaced by any other royal of Aryan origin who has proven past.”
“Will you not consider the name of our valiant king Puru?” Indradutta asked hopefully.
“Why not? King Puru is a fine example of Aryan values and traditions. He is a glorious ruler of Vaheek region. We will see how he deals with Alexander because very sooner than later the alien invader will be knocking at your door.”
Indradutta felt good about Puru getting good marks from Chanakya but the prospect of the invasion by Alexander dampened his spirit. Kaikya lay right in the conquest route of the Greek Emperor.
From Kaikya the caravan of the merchant reached Katha kingdom. The people of that land welcomed Guru Chanakya and his pupils.
Chanakya met the ruler of Katha state. He revealed the alien invader’s plan to crush India and destroy its culture before the ruler. The ruler angrily responded, “Teacher! The people of my state put great value to their honour and freedom. If some one tries to take away our freedom we shall take his life or sacrifice our lives.”
The ruler promised every help and cooperation to any plan Chanakya devised against the alien ruler. Chanakya left Katha satisfied.
Thus, Chanakya was making progress towards Magadha alerting every ruler on his way against the danger of the invasion of Alexander and impressed the need to create a powerful union of kingdoms.
Meanwhile, Chanakya learnt that Mahapadmananda had become history as a result of a conspiracy hatched by his enemies. The powerful minister Shaktar had controlled the damage and put Dhanananda, the son of Mahapadmananda on throne. The new ruler happened to be his protege. Incidentally Shaktar was also a classmate of Chanakya.
Dhanananda was no brave warrior or a good administrator. He was fond of wine and women like his father.
Chanakya pondered over the new situation that had developed.
