The 2011 historical drama Chandragupta Maurya , produced by Sagar Arts, remains one of the most acclaimed portrayals of the Mauryan Empire’s founding. Spanning 105 episodes (with some listings noting up to 107), the series aired on Imagine TV from March 11, 2011, to April 7, 2012. Despite its abrupt end due to the channel's closure, it achieved cult status for its intense storytelling and powerful performances. Plot Arc and Episode Phases
The series is broadly divided into two major phases: the childhood of Chandragupta and his eventual rise as a warrior.
The Early Episodes (1–44): The story begins with Chanakya (Manish Wadhwa) seeking a ruler to unite India against the impending invasion of Alexander the Great. He discovers a young slave, Chandragupta (Rushiraj Pawar), and brings him to Takshashila for training. This phase focuses on the young hero’s growth and his vow to destroy the Nanda Empire after his mother is killed by Dhana Nanda.
The Transition and Adult Years (45–105): Following a skip in time, an adult Chandragupta (Aashiesh Sharrma) takes over the mantle. These episodes follow Chanakya’s complex diplomatic maneuvers (Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed) and Chandragupta’s battles against internal enemies and Greek invaders. Key Cast and Characters
The show’s success is often attributed to its casting, particularly the chemistry between mentor and student.
Chanakya: Manish Wadhwa's performance is widely considered a benchmark for the character.
Chandragupta Maurya: Portrayed by Rushiraj Pawar (young) and Ashish Sharma (adult).
Dhana Nanda: The primary antagonist, portrayed with terrifying intensity by Sooraj Thapar.
Supporting Cast: Includes Tej Sapru as the clever Amatya Rakshas and Nidhi Tikoo as Rajkumari Durdhara. Production and Legacy
Chandragupta Maurya (TV Series 2011–2012) - Full cast & crew
The 2011 historical drama Chandragupta Maurya , which aired on Imagine TV
, is widely considered a landmark in Indian television for its intense storytelling and powerful performances
. Produced by Sagar Arts, the series captures the rise of the first emperor of India under the guidance of the legendary philosopher Chanakya Series Overview The show consists of 105 episodes
. It follows the journey of young Chandragupta from his humble beginnings to his ultimate victory over the tyrannical Nanda dynasty Original Run: March 2011 to April 2012 Production: Sagar Arts (Sagar Pictures) Rushiraj Pawar as young Chandragupta Maurya Ashish Sharma as adult Chandragupta Maurya Manish Wadhwa
as Acharya Chanakya (a performance highly praised for its intensity and wisdom) Sooraj Thapar as the antagonist, Samrat Dhananand Plot Arc & Episodes The series is broadly divided into two major phases: The Training (Episodes 1–50): chandragupta maurya serial 2011 all episodes
These episodes focus on Chanakya finding young Chandragupta and putting him through rigorous physical and intellectual training
. This period highlights the "Rajkilam" (Game of Kings) played by the boy, which first impressed Chanakya The Rebellion (Episodes 51–105):
The later half deals with the strategic formation of an army, navigating the internal politics of Magadha, and the final confrontation with Dhananand Where to Watch
While the original Imagine TV channel has closed, the series remains available on several platforms: Chandragupta Maurya (TV Series 2011–2012) - IMDb
The 2011 Chandragupta Maurya television series, originally aired on Imagine TV, is widely considered a cult classic in Indian historical drama. Despite its popularity, the show was abruptly canceled after 105 episodes due to the sudden closure of the NDTV Imagine network in April 2012. Series Overview
The show follows the journey of a young slave boy, Chandragupta (played by Rushiraj Pawar), who is discovered by the brilliant strategist Chanakya (Manish Wadhwa). Chanakya recognizes the boy’s potential and mentors him to overthrow the tyrannical Nanda dynasty and unify India into the Maurya Empire. Release Date: March 11, 2011. Total Episodes: 105. Lead Cast: Rushiraj Pawar: Young Chandragupta.
Ashish Sharma: Adult Chandragupta (introduced after an 8-year time skip).
Manish Wadhwa: Chanakya (highly praised for his performance). Sooraj Thapar: Samrat Dhananand. Where to Watch
While the show never reached its planned conclusion, you can still find most episodes on various digital platforms:
YouTube: Many episodes are available through the Swastik Productions channel.
Dangal Play: The series later aired as reruns on Dangal TV and is accessible via the Dangal Play app.
DailyMotion: Full episodes are often hosted by independent uploaders on DailyMotion.
Relive the epic journey from slave boy to emperor with these key episodes:
The 2011 Chandragupta Maurya series is widely considered a cult classic and one of the finest historical dramas in Indian television history. Produced by Sagar Arts and aired on Imagine TV, it is praised for its powerful performances, philosophical depth, and high production values, though its premature ending remains a major disappointment for fans. 🎬 Review Highlights Exceptional Performances The 2011 historical drama Chandragupta Maurya , produced
Chanakya (Manish Wadhwa): His portrayal is legendary, often cited as the soul of the show. Reviewers from IMDb praise his commanding dialogue delivery and intensity.
Chandragupta (Rushiraj Pawar & Ashish Sharma): Rushiraj Pawar’s turn as young Chandragupta earned high praise for its maturity. Ashish Sharma later brought a more rugged, strategic energy to the adult role.
Dhana Nanda (Sooraj Thapar): Highly acclaimed for playing a "sleazy but terrifying" antagonist with a unique, memorable flair. Storytelling & Depth
Philosophical Roots: Unlike typical overdramatized soaps, it delves into the Indian philosophy of Karma Yoga and Chanakya's "Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed" strategies.
Historical Accuracy: While it takes creative liberties (such as the fictional track of princess Mrignayani), it is noted for being significantly more grounded than later remakes.
Soundtrack: The background score and title track are iconic among viewers, often described as highly inspiring and moving. The "Abrupt Ending" Issue
Premature Finale: Due to the sudden shutting down of Imagine TV in 2012, the show was forced to end at episode 105.
Unfinished Arc: The story concludes just as Chandragupta starts his major move toward overthrowing the Nanda Empire, leaving fans forever wishing for a proper conclusion. 🧭 Viewer Experience Brilliant casting and acting Story cut short before the climax Inspiring dialogues and music Occasional shoddy CGI in later episodes Strong mentor-disciple bond Fictional love tracks can feel "dragged"
📍 Key Takeaway: If you value acting and wisdom over high-end modern visual effects, this is a must-watch. You can find many episodes on the Dangal Play app or official YouTube channels. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Chandragupta Maurya (TV Series 2011–2012) - IMDb
The 2011 historical drama Chandragupta Maurya , which originally aired on Imagine TV, consists of roughly 105 to 208 episodes depending on how the broadcast is segmented. You can watch the episodes through several platforms:
Dangal Play: Offers a dedicated streaming section for the series, organized into episode blocks like EP 1-30. YouTube:
The official Swastik Stories channel has a comprehensive playlist with over 200 videos.
Additional fan-curated playlists also host full episodes, such as the Vivek Kumar playlist.
Dailymotion: Features a playlist by Ashwani Malik that covers episodes 1 through 100. Show Quick Guide Chandragupta Maurya Serial 2011 All Episodes: A Complete
Here’s a quick guide for the 2011 TV series Chandragupta Maurya (aired on Imagine TV / later NDTV Imagine), starring Rajat Tokas as Chandragupta.
In the landscape of Indian television, historical dramas have always held a special place. Among the most revered is the "Chandragupta Maurya" serial that aired in 2011. Produced by Imagine TV (now Disney/Network18), this show attempted to fill the shoes of the iconic 1980s Chanakya and the 2000s Chandragupta Maurya (on Star Plus). While it may not have broken all TRP records, it remains a cult favorite among history enthusiasts for its grand storytelling, powerful dialogues, and relatively accurate depiction of one of India’s greatest empire builders.
For fans searching for "Chandragupta Maurya serial 2011 all episodes", this article serves as a comprehensive resource—covering the plot, cast, episode guide, where to watch, and why this series still matters today.
Later serials insert melodramatic love triangles. The 2011 version kept romance secondary. Focus remained on espionage, taxation, war elephants, and diplomatic strategy—elements straight out of the Arthashastra.
When looking up "Chandragupta Maurya serial 2011 all episodes", fans often recall the powerful performances. Here are the key actors:
| Actor | Role | Significance | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Ashish Sharma | Chandragupta Maurya | Known for his intense eyes and warrior physique. Sharma brought a raw, emotional gravity to the role. | | Manoj Joshi | Chanakya (Vishnugupta) | Joshi played the cunning, shaven-headed priest. His slow, measured delivery became iconic. | | Tarun Khanna | Dhanananda | The arrogant and cruel last Nanda emperor. Khanna played the villain with Shakespearean flair. | | Sourabh Raaj Jain | Yaugandharayana (Younger version) | A loyal friend of Chandragupta. | | Apara Mehta | Queen Mura | Chandragupta’s mother. Her emotional scenes added depth to the hero’s motivation. | | Ketan Karande | Seleucus Nicator | The Greek general. His face-off with Chandragupta was a highlight. |
Unlike many mythological shows that focus on gods, Chandragupta Maurya (2011) focused on human ambition, political intrigue, and the birth of the first pan-Indian empire. The story begins with the young Chandragupta, a shepherd boy with the blood of the Maurya clan, living in exile due to the machinations of the Nanda king, Dhanananda.
The series masterfully tracks his journey:
The 2011 version distinguished itself by focusing heavily on the psychological relationship between Chandragupta and Chanakya—a master-apprentice dynamic rarely explored so deeply in Indian TV.
One of the strongest reasons to search for "Chandragupta Maurya serial 2011 all episodes" is the powerful ensemble cast. Unlike later versions that relied on CGI-heavy spectacle, this show lived on its performances.
| Character | Actor | Notable Contribution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Chandragupta Maurya | Ashish Sharma | Known for his intense eyes and physical transformation from a raw boy to a mighty king. | | Chanakya | Manoj Joshi | A masterclass in subtle villainy and mentorship. Joshi’s Chanakya is cunning, calm, and ruthless. | | Dhanananda | Surendra Pal (reprising his iconic role from Chanakya 1991) | The perfect arrogant antagonist. | | Mura (Mother) | Priya Bathija | Added emotional gravity to Chandragupta’s origin. | | Seleucus Nikator | Foreign actors | Authentic Greek portrayal, though limited screen time. | | Durdhara | Madhura Naik | Played the queen with grace and political awareness. |
Note: Many fans confuse this cast with the 2018 Sony TV version (which starred Kartikey Malviya as young Chandragupta). The 2011 Ashish Sharma version is distinct and darker in tone.
As of the current date, there is no official DVD box set or licensed streaming platform (such as Netflix or Amazon Prime) hosting the complete series. Availability is primarily limited to user-uploaded content on video-sharing platforms.
Here’s the honest truth: Finding all 180 original episodes in pristine quality is difficult. Many episodes were lost when Imagine TV shut down. Some episodes exist only on old DVR recordings or fragmented YouTube playlists. Many fan uploads have been taken down due to copyright claims from alternative production houses.
Pro tip for fans: Join dedicated Facebook groups and Indian television history forums (e.g., "India Forums – Historical Shows"). Fans there have curated Google Drive links to complete the missing episodes 45-52, 103-110, etc.