Arthashastra (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

KAUTILYA

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140446036 ISBN 13: 9780140446036

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1992

Synopsis

Kautilya: The Arthashastra, published in 2000 by Penguin Classics is the English edition of the classic treatise on classical economics and political science by the ancient Indian philosopher Kautilya. The text of this great book includes 15 books, each addressing one topic pertaining to the state and its economy. The books include topics like the law, the king, foreign policy, discipline, capturing a fortress, and the duties of the government rulers. Kautilya explains in detail the duties and virtues of an ideal king. The descriptions include a break up of what the ideal king should do during the course of the day and how the king should behave in typical situations. The Arthashashtra also includes detailed strategies like gift, bribery, illusion, and strength to deal with the neighbouring countries. The other important sections of the book include maintenance of law and order in the state,taxation, preserving forests and wildlife, and how to protect the State from all types of embezzlement and theft, running a spy network, and many other wise diplomatic tips. The book discusses how the Mauryans protected their environment,and natural resources such as rivers, mines, forest wealth, including trees and animals. The importance of maintaining law and order for smooth functioning of the state is also given importance.

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Product Description

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Review

Kautilya's Arthashastra is one of the best treatise written in the world, regarding how an ideal State should be... It deals with almost each and every aspect of the society... imagine that and don't forget that it was written almost 2000-2500 years ago, and still it is relevant today also... We can say that it is one of the best treatise ever written in the Eastern Political Thought/Philosophy about how a State should be and what are its functions... It is a must read for any one who wants to understand the times then, also the economics, politics, social, religious and many other conditions of the societies then... --Parikshith. K. Naik Jul 7, 2012

This book is a good read.. again - when reading some parts, you need bear in mind the life and times of Chanakya. The way you cannot compare modern law to Hammurabi's edicts, you could use your current society as a yard-stick for understanding this book. The basis of the philosophy is sound. To be able to verbalize, and write down, the intrigues and principles of diplomacy and statesmanship, takes a genius. This book, is the crystallized form of that. --Sridutt YS Jul 5, 2012

I have bought this book as i had heard and read so much about the great Kautilya. In my opinion, Chanakya is greater than even Krishna. Krishna had unlimited powers, intelligence, knowledge, access to resources etc. He knew everything about everybody and everything. He knew everything about every individual's past, present and future births and their strengths and weaknesses. He had complete knowledge of the Atman and of Human Emotions. So he could do what he did. In contrast, Chanakya had limited powers, intelligence, knowledge, access to resources etc. Given these, what he achieved was BRILLIANT. If Chanakya had the powers of Krishna, what he would have achieved would be unimaginable. Krishna would be a school boy in front of Chanakya. We would all be speaking Greek today if there was no Kautilya. A Man's true test is when he has to play the Game with limited powers and resources and not with unlimited powers. A Real Man plays the Game with limited powers and resources. --Rajeev S Feb 19, 2014

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0140446036
• ISBN 13: 9780140446036
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 400