The first episode of the 1991 television series "Chanakya" sets the stage for the dramatic and historical events that will unfold. The episode is a fictionalized account of the life of the 4th century BCE strategist and political theorist, Chanakya, and is based on events occurring around the time of his youth.br br The episode opens in the kingdom of Magadha, which is under the rule of the tyrannical King Dhanananda, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. The king is celebrating the festival of Vasanthotsav. However, the festivities are contrasted with the struggles of the common people. A woman is seen wandering the streets of Pataliputra, the capital of Magadha, searching for her missing son, Angad, who was a charioteer for the king. She appeals to Minister Wakranas for help, but her pleas are ignored. A young Brahmin named Vishnu, who is later revealed to be Chanakya, observes this injustice and tells the woman that "no one helps weak people," highlighting the harsh realities of the kingdom.br br Meanwhile, a more subtle but equally significant issue arises in the royal court: a gold coin is missing from the salaries of all the ministers. Minister Wakranas attempts to blame Minister Shaktar, but the truth is far more sinister. It is revealed that King Dhanananda and his men are behind the theft, smuggling large quantities of gold from the royal treasury. The king had used several servants, including Angad, to bury the gold coins, and then had them all killed to cover his tracks.br br Minister Shaktar, a principled man, becomes aware of the king's treachery. He meets with his spy, Shishupal, who confirms the shocking truth about the king's actions. The episode ends with a sense of brewing conflict and political intrigue, as Shaktar realizes he must take matters into his own hands. The episode effectively establishes the corrupt and oppressive environment of the Magadha kingdom and introduces the young Chanakya as a perceptive and observant figure who is already beginning to understand the political and social decay around him.