The Arthashastra
by Kautilya
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An extraordinary detailed manual on statecraft and the science of living by one of classical India's greatest minds; Kautilya; also known as Chanakya and Vishnugupta; wrote the Arthashastra not later than 150 AD though the date has not been conclusively established. Legend has it that he was either a Brahmin from Kerala or from north India; however; it is certain that Kautilya was the man who destroyed the Nanda dynasty and installed Chandragupta Maurya as the King of Magadha. A master show more strategist who was well-versed in the Vedas and adept at creating intrigues and devising political stratagems; Kautilya's genius is reflected in his Arthashastra which is the most comprehensive treatise of statecraft of classical times. The text contains fifteen books which cover numerous topics viz.; the King; a complete code of law; foreign policy; secret and occult practices and so on. The Arthashastra is written mainly in prose but also incorporates 380 shlokas. Artha; literally wealth; is one of four supreme aims prescribed by Hindu tradition. However; it has a much wider significance and the material well-being of individuals is just a part of it. In accordance with this; Kautilya's Arthashastra maintains that the state or government of a country has a vital role to play in maintaining the material status of both the nation and its people. Therefore; a significant part of the Arthashastra has to do with the science of economics. When it deals with the science of politics; the Arthashastra describes in detail the art of government in its widest sense—the maintenance of law and order as also of an efficient administrative machinery.. show less
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A very thorough manual on statecraft,
The classic Indian work on politics.
> Hecht Jacqueline. Kautilya — L'Arthasastra, le traité politique de l'Inde ancienne.
In: Population, 28ᵉ année, n°3, 1973. p. 711… ; (en ligne),
URL : https://www.persee.fr/doc/pop_0032-4663_1973_num_28_3_15513
In: Population, 28ᵉ année, n°3, 1973. p. 711… ; (en ligne),
URL : https://www.persee.fr/doc/pop_0032-4663_1973_num_28_3_15513
Feb 13, 2019 (Edited)French
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- The Arthashastra
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- Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Politics and Government, History, Philosophy
- DDC/MDS
- 320.954 — Society, government, & culture Political science Types of Government Political situation and conditions Asia Indian Subcontinent
- LCC
- JA84 .I4 .K3813 — Political Science Political science (General) Political science (General) History
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