Literature of antiquity and the Middle Ages - Summary - 2019

Raksashasi ring
Vishanhadatta (VII century ?)

The renowned art connoisseur of Chanakya's policy, or Kaugil, was taken down in Pataliputra, the capital of Magadhi, the last king of the Nand dynasty, and after his murder, he erected a student of his disciple, Chandraguptu Maurya, on the throne. However, the faithful minister, Nanda Rakshase, managed to escape, to make an alliance with the mighty ruler of the Malajakta Mountain Range and several other kings and to precipitate Pataliputra with an army far superior to the forces of Chandragupta. Under these conditions, Chanakya begins to implement a cunning plan whose goal is not only to win over enemies, but also to attract Rakshasa, known for its wisdom and honesty.

Chanakya learns that in Pataliputra, in the house of the merchant Chandanadasi, a wife and son of Rakshasy are hiding, and orders arrest Chandanadas. In this case, the Rakshasy ring enters into his hands, which Kanakya sealed the false letter he wrote. With this letter, among his other supporters, allegedly persecuted and rushed to Rakshas, he sent his servant to Siddharthaq to the enemy's camp. At the same time, Chanakya plays a quarrel with Chandragupta, failing to fulfill his wishes and orders, and Chandragupta publicly removes him from his position, taking on himself the reign of the kingdom.

When this rumor reaches Rakshasy, he advises Malayaket and other kings to immediately attack Chandraguptu, who has been deprived of his prime minister. But here there are several events pre-envisioned by Chanakya. Javasiddhi, who was sent to him as a sculptor, deceives Malayaket, claiming that his father, Parvataka, was not killed by Chanakya, but by Raksha Soi, and in his mind the first seeds of mistrust would be entrusted to his adviser. And then Siddharthaqa gives himself up to detain Malayaket's guard, and finds a letter in which Rakshas offers his services to Chandragupta and promises the help of the five Malayyaket allies who allegedly entered into a conspiracy. Convinced of the authenticity of the letter, as it is sealed with a Rakshasy seal, Malayaket decides that Rakshasa wants to cross over to Chandragupta, hoping to take the place of the disgraced Chanakya, expels him from the camp, and orders the treacherous kings to execute. Scared by this order, Malayaket immediately left his other associates, and Chanakieu is not in a hurry to break the enemy's troops left by his military commanders, and Malayaket himself captured.

Rakshasa, defeated, nevertheless returns to Pataliputra, so that, even at the cost of his own life, he can save his family and his friend Chandanadas, sentenced to death. Appearing on the spot of execution, he gives himself up to the executioners instead of Chandanadas. However, Chanakya arrives there, stops the execution and reveals to Rakshas his whole plan of victory over the enemies of Chandragupta, so brilliantly realized. Rakshasa is admired by the wisdom and foresight of Chanakya, and Kanakya - by the nobility and faithfulness of the duty of Rakshasy. Rakshasa asks Chanakya to save Malayaket's life and return her hereditary possessions. Chakanya willingly agrees, and on his proposal, Rakshas goes to the service of Chandragupta. Now that the Chanakya and Rakshas unite their efforts, the success and prosperity of the kingdom of Chandragupta and his descendants in Magadha are secured for a long time.