Kautilya, also famously known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist, and royal advisor. He lived around the 4th century BCE and is widely celebrated as the chief architect behind the rise of the Maurya Empire. He served as the prime minister and mentor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, helping him overthrow the powerful Nanda dynasty of Magadha