Explanation:

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was the chief advisor and Prime Minister to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire. He played a pivotal role in Chandragupta's rise to power and authored the Arthashastra. Option A (Chandragupta Vikramaditya) was a Gupta emperor, much later. Option B (Ashoka) was Chandragupta Maurya's grandson. Option D (Raja Janak) was an ancient mythological king.