Arthashastra
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
An ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economics, law and diplomacy, traditionally attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya). It was rediscovered in a palm-leaf manuscript in the early 20th century.
| Tradition | Indian (classical) |
|---|---|
| Type | Shastra |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Period | c. 2nd century BCE – 3rd century CE in its present form; tradition links it to the Mauryan age (scholarly estimate) |
| Composed or compiled by | Traditionally attributed to Kautilya, also called Chanakya or Vishnugupta |
What it contains
- 15 books (adhikaranas).
- Duties of the king and training of officials.
- Revenue, trade, agriculture, mines and markets.
- Law courts, crime and punishment.
- Foreign policy, alliances and war.
Significance
R. Shamasastry of the Mysore Oriental Library published the text in 1909 after finding the manuscript. It is studied today in political science and economics.