ACCESSION OF CHANDRAGUPTA
41
met the mighty Macedonian. Whether that anecdote be true or not, it is certain that the troubles consequent upon the death of Alexander in the summer of 323 B.C. gave young Chandragupta his opportunity. He assumed the command of the native revolt against the foreigner, and destroyed most of the Macedonian garrisons. He had thus become the master of North-western India before he attempted the revolution in Magadha, and when that enterprise was accomplished, he was undoubtedly the paramount power in India. But before the story of the deeds of Chandragupta Maurya and the descendants who succeeded him on the throne of Magadha can be told, we must pause to unfold the wondrous tale of the Indian adventure of "Philip's warlike son."
