Bindusara asked Antiochus I to send three things — sweet wine
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Classical tradition says Bindusara requested sweet wine, dried figs and a philosopher or sophist from Antiochus I. The first two could be supplied, but the sale of a philosopher was said to be contrary to Greek custom or law. The distinctive item in the anecdote is a philosopher or sophist, not a physician, general, sculptor or other professional substituted by distractors.