Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC (2008)

Chandragupta

Chandragupta is a board wargame designed by Stephen R. Welch and released in 2008 by GMT Games as part of the Great Battles of History (GBoH) series of games on ancient warfare. The game simulates battles fought by the Mauryan Dynasty in ancient India, and in so doing, attempts to illuminate the features, challenges, and unique attributes of the Indian military system and culture during this period. The game follows the brief but rapid rise of the Mauryan dynasty, from Chandragupta Maurya’s victories over the Nanda clan to the end of the Mauryan Empire.

Why is Chandragupta Popular?

Chandragupta is popular among board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategy games and historical simulations. The game is significant because it provides a unique perspective on ancient Indian warfare and culture, which is not often represented in board games. The game also offers a high level of detail and complexity, making it a challenging and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC

Maps: 2 22″ x 34″ full-color maps, backprinted, and 1 22″ x 17″ full-color map.

Counters: 3 Countersheets.

Rules and Scenarios: 1 Rules Book, 1 Scenario Book.

Additional Components: 4 Charts and Tables Cards, 1 ten-sided die.

How To Setup Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC

Setting up the game involves laying out the maps, distributing the counters according to the scenario, and preparing the rules and charts. Players need to familiarize themselves with the unique Indian military hierarchy, including the loyal Maulas, mercenary corps, and tribal militias. Each scenario has specific setup instructions, which can be found in the Scenario Book.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid.

Objective: Players command armies to conquer territory and forge their empire through strategic planning and dice rolls.

Time Scale: 20 minutes per turn.

Map Scale: 70 yards per hex.

Unit Scale: 100-150 men per strength point, 100 cavalry, 6-7 chariots, 1-2 elephants.

Number of Players: One to four, though it is highly suited for two players.

Player Experience

**Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire** offers an immersive and challenging experience, especially for fans of historical wargames. The game features a variety of battles, including set-piece battles, assaults on mountain strongholds, camp raids, night actions with ambushes, and urban street fighting. The complex rules and detailed scenarios provide a rich and engaging gameplay experience that can last around 4 hours.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately depicts the rise and expansion of the Mauryan Empire.

Variety of Battles: Offers a range of different battle scenarios.

Deep Strategy: Requires strategic planning and use of unique military units.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable setup ensure high replay value.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex rules.

Long Playtime: Games can last up to 4 hours, which may deter casual players.

Limited Player Count: Best suited for two players, though it can accommodate up to four.

Personal Thoughts on Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC

This game is ideal for history buffs and serious wargamers who appreciate detailed historical simulations. The game’s complexity and depth make it less accessible to casual players but highly rewarding for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics. If you’re fascinated by ancient Indian history and enjoy strategic wargaming, **Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire** is an excellent addition to your collection.

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