The Arthashastra

by Kautilya, Rudrapatnam Shamashastry (Translator)

Overview

Written around 400 B.C. by Kautilya, the 'Indian Machiavelli', THE ARTHASHASTRA was thought lost for more than a thousand years. It was rediscovered in 1905, when scholar Rudrapatnam Shamashastry was asked to catalogue an unpromising pile of palm leaf manuscripts - and suddenly found himself holding a complete copy of the long-lost masterpiece.

Shamashastry published an English translation in 1915 to worldwide acclaim. Until that time, Western orientalists believed that Indian government had copied their structure from the Greeks, following Alexander the Great's incursion into the subcontinent. Now it was plain that the art of government and Kingship was an indigenous achievement, with Greek administrations possibly copying that of India.

This Indian Classic is a unique, comprehensive guide for Kings on the means - foul or fair - of running a viable state. Nothing is omitted, from taxes on prostitutes and care of livestock, through Elephant training, battle tactics and the making of alliances, to the use of deception, threat, and kidnapping to further Royal policy. Also included are magical incantations, and methods of 'neutralising' enemies (as well as 'inconvenient' brothers or sons) by means of ambush, poison, and the use of 'fiery spies'. An eye-opening, amoral discourse on the wiles and stratagems to be mastered by any aspiring conqueror!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781913751074
Publisher:	Aziloth Books
Publication date:	02/10/2021
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	754,111
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.73(d)

About the Author

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was an ancient Indian strategist, economist, and political theorist who played a pivotal role in forming the Maurya Empire. Kautilya’s strategic acumen continues to influence political thought and management strategies globally, making him a revered figure in the realms of ancient Indian wisdom and statecraft.

Table of Contents

Book I Concerning Discipline

Book II The Duties Of Government Superintendents

Book III. "Concerning Law"

Book IV "The Removal Of Thorns"

Book V "The Conduct Of Courtiers"

Book VI "The Source Of Sovereign States"

Book VII "The End Of The Six-Fold Policy"

Book VIII "Concerning Vices And Calamities"

Book IX "The Work Of An Invader"

Book X "Relating To War"

Book XI "The Conduct Of Corporations"

Book XII "Concerning A Powerful Enemy"

Book XIII "Strategic Means to Capture a Fortress"

Book XIV "Secret Means"

Book XV "The Plan Of A Treatise"