________________
old alike and evoked patriotism encouraging them to take a firm resolution to do their share to protect their motherland. The young were ready to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their Motherland. An ambitious youth like Candragupta, who had by then already received the best military training in Tak il , could not remain a passive spectator during the country's dire needs. Hence, he in the capacity of a Commander-in-Chief of a troop of soldiers fought bravely against the army of Alexander and offered a strong resistance.
Under the able guidance of the far-sighted C akya, who was an inimitable diplomat and a great political philosopher of the times, the fearless young Candragupta took up the challenge of liberating his motherland, India from the slavery of Greece; and with undaunted valour, courage and gallantry, he was successful in rooting out the enemy from the borders of the country. When Candragupta revolted against the Greeks, he was neither a ruler of any kingdom nor he had any systematic army. He mobilised the youth who were willing to stake their lives for the sake of the country and emerged victorious in the most difficult task.
After putting an end to the foreign rule, Candragupta as per the instructions of C akya, his guardian or his destiny-writer, with his tenacious efforts mobilised a powerful army to invade and to establish his authority over P al putra. After mobilising a powerful army and finalising all military preparations C akya ordered Candragupta to embark on a lightning attack on P al putra. Obeying his orders, Candragupta at once headed towards P al putra with his army. C akya was also with Candragupta during this military campaign. Both the armies fought bravely but the small army of Candragupta could not withstand the vast and organised army of Magadha. Ultimately both C akya and Candragupta had to flee from the battlefield to save their lives. Nanda ordered the soldiers of Magadha to chase them both. But the crafty C akya, taking Candragupta along with him, went on escaping, in a disguise, crossing dense forests, high mountains and fast-flowing rivers.
A lesson to C
akya from a rural woman
With the burning desire to stay alive till he accomplishes his oath and mission of annihilating the Nanda dynasty totally, C akya took refuge in a secluded hut, for the night, together with Candragupta. The old lady
183