Did Greek Princess Helena Really Betray Chandragupta Maurya?
The portrayal of Helena, the Greek princess in many historical TV shows and novels, as a traitor to Chandragupta Maurya, is often far from historical truth. This article delves into the historical accuracy of the character, examining the relationship between Chandragupta Maurya and Helena based on available evidence and scholarly assessments.
Seleucid Princess and Wife of Sandrocottus
A character known as Helena, a fictional princess of Greek origin, has been depicted in various media as a negative persona. However, this portrayal is a result of creative liberties taken by writers and producers rather than any historical basis. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, did not marry a Greek princess from Seleucus; instead, he married a Seleucid princess. Her father, Seleucus, was a Macedonian general, and her mother, Apama, was a daughter of a Sogdian nobleman named Spitamenes. Apama was taken as a mistress by Alexander the Great and then married to Seleucus, who fathered several children, including Helena, with her.
Chandragupta Maurya's Marriage to Helena
Helena, a fictional name given to Chandragupta Maurya's wife, was gifted to Chandragupta by his father-in-law, Seleucus Nicator. Scholars speculate that she was Seleucus' own daughter born from his Persian wife, Apama. The idea of Helena betraying Chandragupta is inaccurate for several reasons:
Helena's Age and Chandragupta's Power
When Helena married Chandragupta, she was a teenager, while Chandragupta was in his mid-thirties. This age difference meant that Chandragupta held the power in their relationship. Moreover, Chandragupta was advised by Chanakya, a renowned advisor, who had a low opinion of Yavanas (Greeks). Chanakya would not let any Yavana concubine control Chandragupta, as any such attempt would result in grave consequences.
Chandragupta’s Harem and Helena's Role
Chandragupta Maurya had many queens, and his chief queen was someone else after Durdhara, his chief queen and confidant, died. Making a girl of just sixteen the chief queen was not a feasible option, and even if Chandragupta wanted to, Chanakya would not allow it. Being the chief queen (Agramahishi) meant enjoying a hefty salary and ruling over the Imperial Harem. Considering Helena's role was limited to producing children and cultural influences, as she was from Hellenistic Babylon, Iraq, her role was to maintain peace between her father's empire and Chandragupta's. Her young age and different cultural background meant she could not play a significant role in a completely different empire.
Seleucid Princess Training and Loyalty
Selectica princesses were trained to always work in the favor of their empire. Apama's children, including Helena, were very obedient to Seleucus and his wishes. This is evidenced by the fact that Seleucus extensively favored Apama, who was not only his confidante but also a blind follower. She willingly gave up her title of chief queen to Stratonice at Seleucus' request. Similarly, Helena's role was to maintain peace between her father and husband, and her young age and cultural background would have prevented her from being a significant figure in a completely different empire.
Chandragupta Maurya’s Harem Life
Chandragupta Maurya’s life was filled with military adventures, and his harem life is not much recorded in historical texts. However, in Mudrakshasa, we get a glimpse of it when it mentions that the king had many voluptuous ladies who gained his favor. In Parishisth Parvan, when Chanakya called a congregation of scholars, a few heretical ones attempted to peek into the harem and look at the queen and other ladies. These ladies were called Rajpatni (Queens).
In conclusion, the portrayal of Helena as a traitor in historical TV shows and novels is a product of creative liberty rather than historical evidence. Helena's role was to maintain peace and cultural influence between her father's and husband's empires, and her age and cultural background limited her influence within the imperial structure.