In his provocative essay, Devdutt Pattanaik argues that the Chanakya we know today is less an historical figure and more a “myth we made useful.” While Chanakya is traditionally credited with guiding the foundation of the Maurya Empire, Pattanaik states there is no archaeological or textual proof of his actual existence as depicted in popular lore. 

Instead, the myth of Chanakya has been amplified — his teachings distilled into aphorisms, leadership mantras and boardroom strategies. The paradox is that we accept and deploy Chanakya’s wisdom not because we fully believe in his literal life story, but because his symbolic value serves contemporary needs: power, diplomacy, cunning, strategy.

Pattanaik contends that such myths become self-fulfilling: once a story is widely acted upon, it becomes history in the popular imagination. The Chanakya myth therefore plays a formative role in how India imagines political power, governance and ancient wisdom.

Ultimately, this piece prompts us to ask: When does myth end and history begin? And more importantly, does it matter — if the myth helps shape values, culture and action regardless of literal truth? In discussing the “Chanakya paradox,” Pattanaik invites readers to reflect on how we use legends to define our shared identity and direction.