Arthashastra

Back of the Book Arthashastra is arguably the greatest treatise ever written on political, military, and economic strategies, by a shrewd man popularly referred to as the Indian Machiavelli.

One of the most ancient and enduring works on statecraft and governance; Arthashastra is still widely read and studied today. Serving as the handbook for rulers, it answers a plethora of questions.

About the Book Chanakya, also known as Kautilya and Vishnugupta, was an Indian philosopher, statesman, royal advisor, and a master political strategist. Facts on his life are a mesh of various legends attributed to him in Buddhism, Jainism, and other spiritual paths.

He was born sometime in the fourth century BCE in a Brahmin family. The Mauryan Empire owes its prosperity and existence. in no small amount, to the ruthless and driven Chanakya. Legend has it that Chanakya went to the court of King Dhanananda, the ruler of Magadha. Due to his physical appearance (he had crooked teeth and misshapen feet), he was insulted by the king himself and thrown out.

In utter humiliation and anger, Chanakya roamed around in the wilderness, vowing to take revenge. Just then, he carne across a band of boys, playing. One boy was enacting the role of a king, admonishing the 'thieves' and announcing their punishment. This boy was Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta, through the counsel of Chanakya, destroyed the Nanda dynasty and became the ruler of the Magadha kingdom. Chanakya was also the royal advisor to Chandragupta's son Bindusara.

Arthashastra and Neeti-shastra (also popularly referred to as Chanakya-neeti) were written more than 2000 years ago, but the teachings encapsulated in these works are practical and can be applied to situations in the modern-day world, as is evidenced by their popularity and wide readership.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages