As a historian with a deep interest in the rich tapestry of Indian history, I find the question of the "greatest king of India" to be a complex one, as it is deeply entwined with the subjective nature of what we consider 'greatness'. India, with its vast and diverse history, has seen numerous rulers who have made significant contributions to the cultural, political, and social fabric of the country. However, for the purpose of this discussion, I will focus on a few notable figures who have been widely recognized for their impact.

Chandragupta Maurya (340 BC - c. 298 BC) is often considered one of the earliest and most influential rulers in Indian history. He was the founder of the Maurya Empire, which at its height, was one of the largest empires in the world. Chandragupta's reign marked the beginning of a significant era in Indian history, with his empire stretching from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south.

Ashoka Maurya (304-232 BCE), the grandson of Chandragupta, is another figure who stands out. His early reign was marked by conquest and expansion, most notably his conquest of Kalinga, which resulted in significant bloodshed and suffering. This event led to Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and a profound transformation in his rule. He became known for his emphasis on *Dharma*, a concept encompassing righteousness, virtue, and duty, and he spread this philosophy throughout his empire and beyond through his famous edicts.

Porus, also known as Puru, was a king who fought against Alexander the Great during his invasion of the Indian subcontinent. Although he was defeated, Porus earned the respect of Alexander for his bravery and was reinstated as a ruler, governing jointly with the Macedonian forces.

Raja Raja Chola was a prominent king of the Chola dynasty, known for his extensive conquests and the expansion of the Chola Empire to its greatest extent. His reign was marked by significant advancements in administration, art, and architecture.

Kanishka I, or Kanishka the Great, was a Kushan emperor whose reign is considered a golden age of Gandhara culture. He is known for his patronage of Buddhism and the arts, and his empire was a major center of trade and cultural exchange.

Alha and Udal were legendary warrior brothers from the Indian epic *Ramayana*. Their stories, though largely mythical, reflect the values of bravery, loyalty, and heroism that are celebrated in Indian culture.

Prithvi Raj Chauhan was a 12th-century king known for his resistance against the invading forces of Muhammad of Ghor. His Battle of Tarain is a significant event in Indian history, symbolizing the struggle against foreign invasion.

Hemu, also known as Hemchandra Vikramaditya, was a Hindu king who challenged the Mughal rule in the 16th century. Despite his ultimate defeat, Hemu is remembered for his military prowess and his efforts to establish a Hindu kingdom in North India.

Each of these kings had a profound impact on the course of Indian history, and their legacies continue to influence the cultural and historical narrative of the country. Determining the "greatest" among them is not merely a matter of comparing their military conquests or political achievements, but also involves considering their contributions to the moral, philosophical, and cultural development of India.

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12 Greatest Kings and Warriors in Indian History !1# Chandragupta Maurya (340 BC -C 298 BC) :2# Ashoka Maurya (304-C232 BCE) :3# Porus a.k.a. Puru :4# Raja Raja Chola :5# Kanishka I or Kanishka the Great:6# Alha :7# Prithvi Raj Chauhan :8# Hemu a.k.a. Hemchandra Vikramaditya :More items...read more >>