During whose reign did Megasthenes visit Pataliputra ?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (d) Chandragupta Maurya

Megasthenes, a Greek historian and ambassador, visited Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya (321–297 BCE). He was sent by Seleucus I Nicator, the ruler of the Seleucid Empire, to the Mauryan court as part of a diplomatic relationship between the two empires.

Key Contributions of Megasthenes:

Indica:

• Megasthenes wrote Indica, a detailed account of India’s society, administration, and geography during the Mauryan period.
• Though the original text is lost, its content survives through references in later works by Greek and Roman historians.

Description of Pataliputra:

• He described Pataliputra as a well-planned city with wooden walls, a large moat, and watchtowers, reflecting the advanced urban planning and administration under Chandragupta Maurya.

Observation of Society and Governance:

• Documented the caste system, the absence of slavery, and the prosperity of the Mauryan Empire.
• Described Chandragupta Maurya's court and the administrative efficiency of the empire.

Additional Information:

• Chandragupta I: Founder of the Gupta Empire, ruled much later (circa 4th century CE).
• Harshvardhan: Ruled in the 7th century CE, long after Megasthenes’ time.
• Chandragupta II: A Gupta emperor (4th–5th century CE), also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya, unrelated to Megasthenes.