Know Everything about Chandragupta Maurya and His Two Wives!

Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Mauryan Empire is known for his courage, valour and bravery. However, little is known about his personal life including his marriage. Interestingly, the Samrat married twice. Once when he was young and once when he was in 40s.

Here we share everything about Samrat Chandragupta Maurya and His two wives:

Durdhara – The First Wife of Chandragupta Maurya

The first wife of Chandragupta Maurya was Durdhara. She is believed to be his eldest maternal uncle’s daughter who came along with him in Patliaputra and even supported him in his struggle against the King Dhana Nanda. Many people assume Durdhara to be Dhana Nanda’s daughter (which isn’t true!).

 Perhaps because of this belief, the makers of Chandra Nandni have introduced Dhana Nanda’s daughter Nandni as Chandragupta Maurya’s wife in the serial.

Chandragupta Maurya’s wife Durdhara was also the mother of his only son Bindusar who became his heir and the second Samrat of Mauryan Empire. However, Durdhara couldn’t live long to see her son growing up because she died well before she could see her son.

According to the text and documents, Durdhara ate poisonous food meant for Chandragupta Maurya when she was nine month pregnant. The poison took her life but before her pulses could stop, Acharya Chanakya could save the child in her womb in what we may call as the first caesarean operation.

Also Read: Chandra Nandni: 5 Reasons Why Nandini Cannot be Durdhara!

Helena – The Second Wife of Chandragupta Maurya

After the death of Durdhara, it is said that Chandragupta Maurya didn’t marry until he met his second wife during his 40s. It is also not known whether or not he had concubines. Now, Helen or Helena was a Greek. She was Seleucus Nicator’s daughter  whom Chandragupt Maurya had defeated in a war. Post the war, Chandragupta Maurya married Helena.

Though it is said that Chandragupt Maurya and Helena Maurya’s marriage was a strategic alliance between the two states, there are tales that hint a love story between the two. Yes, a love at first sight between both. Interestingly, post her marriage Helena became quite Indian. She not only learnt Sanskrit but also started training in classical Indian music.

Also Read: Lesser Known Facts about Devi Helena Maurya ~ Chandragupta Maurya’s Wife 

Their marriage didn’t last long as Chandragupta Maurya soon converted into Jainism and died 4 to 5 years after he married Helena. There is no evidence of Queen Helen giving birth to Samrat’s child. It is widely  believed that she was childless.