It is widely known that Chandragupta Maurya married twice – once to Durdhara, the mother of Bindusara and later to Helena, the daughter of Greek general Selecus Nicator. While, only little is known about both the wives of Chandragupt Maurya, few available information emphasizes their story.
Here we share facts and history related to the story of Chandragupta Maurya and Helena:
Chandragupta Maurya Met Helena in His 40s
The serial Chandra Nandni shows how Chandragupta sees Helena when he somehow gets into the army of Alexander. However, in reality Chandragupta saw Helena for the very first time in his 40s when he was passing through river Jhelum. The exact age of Helena back then is not known but according to historians she was quite young almost in her 20s.
Chandragupta Met Helena 20 Years After Alexander Died in Babylon
Alexander died in June 323 BCE in Babylon. According to historical texts, Selecus Nicator made peace with Chandragupta only after two years of war (305 – 303 BCE) i.e. 20 years after Alexander died. There is no record of Chandragupta Maurya meeting Selecus Nicator when Alexander was alive, forget meeting Helena and learning war tactics of Greeks from her.
Helena Was Either an Infant or Wasn’t Even Born When Alexander Marched into India
In the serial Chandra Nandni we see a grown up Helena talks about strategies of war with Alexander. However, now that Chandragupta married 20 year something Helena in his 40s then it is obvious that when Alexander marched into India, Helena was either an infant or wasn’t even born.
It is said that Chandragupt Maurya Fell in LOVE With Helena The MOMENT He Saw Her
Unlike shown in the serial, Chandragupta saw Helena when he was passing from the banks of Jhelum river. Helena and her maidens were playing near the river and the Samrat was mesmerized by her beauty. Samrat then started sending her messages and she too would reply him back. This is how the two communicated with each other.
Also Read: Lesser Known Facts about Devi Helena Maurya ~ Chandragupta Maurya’s Wife
Chandragupta Maurya and Helena: Political Alliance?
In a war between Chandragupta and Nicator, the Mauryan King could easily defeat Selecus Nicator. It was after this battle that Chandragupta got married to Helena after Acharya Chanakya suggested him the same. This is the reason why it is widely believed that ‘the marriage’ was a political alliance between the two states. However, few instances indicate that the two were already in love with each other.
Also Read: Everything about Durdhara – The Wife of Chandragupta Maurya
However, the marriage lasted only for 5 years as Chandragupt Maurya took sanyas thereafter and left everything to his only son Bindusar.
