AThe wife of a Nanda king
BMura, daughter of a hunter
CA Greek noblewoman
DSubhadrangi, daughter of a Brahmin
Answer:
B. Mura, daughter of a hunter
Read Explanation:
Vishnu Purana's Account of Chandragupta Maurya's Maternal Lineage
The Vishnu Purana, a significant Hindu scripture, provides a genealogical account linking Chandragupta Maurya to a lineage connected to the Nanda dynasty. According to this Purana, Chandragupta Maurya's mother was Mura.
Mura's Background
Mura is described as the daughter of a hunter.
She is also stated to be a wife of the last Nanda king, Mahapadma Nanda (or possibly his son, the last Nanda ruler).
This connection suggests that Chandragupta Maurya might have had a maternal link to the Nanda dynasty, potentially through his mother Mura's relationship with the Nanda ruler.
Significance of the Vishnu Purana's Account
This puranic tradition contrasts with other historical and literary sources, such as the Buddhist text Mahavamsa, which refers to Chandragupta as belonging to the Moriya clan of the Sakyas.
The Vishnu Purana's account, along with the Jain tradition (which refers to Chandragupta's father as a chieftain of a village and his mother as a dancing girl), presents different theories about his origins.
These varying accounts highlight the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of ancient Indian historical records, particularly concerning the early life of prominent rulers like Chandragupta Maurya.
The Vishnu Purana is attributed to the sage Veda Vyasa and is considered one of the most important Mahapuranas.