Chandragupta and Ashoka, two rulers of the Mauryan Empire, both sustained legitimacy by using soft power because they presented themselves as admirable leaders and role models to their people. Chandragupta was the first ruler and the founder of the Mauryan Empire, ruling from c. 321 to c. 297 BCE. Ashoka was Chandragupta’s grandson, ruling from c. 268 to c. 232 BC. In the Arthasastra, the book that Chandragupta ruled by, it stated that fighting off enemies was the natural duty of the king. Even if the leader was weak, he was required to fight with all his resources and all his might to protect his kingdom. This ensured that Chandragupta would protect the people no matter how strong the enemy was, and showed that he was an admirable leader because