Arthashastra

• ISBN13: 9789372276992
• Binding: Paperback
• Subject: Politics and Current Affairs
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd
• Publisher Imprint: Peacock Books
• Publication Date: April 22, 2026
• Pages: 614
• Original Price: INR 495.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 424 grams
• BISAC Subject(s): Economic History, Asia / South / General, and History & Theory

"for in the absence of a magistrate (dandadharabhave), the strong will swallow the weak; but under his protection, the weak resist the strong."

Arthashastra by Kautilya is one of the most significant and influential texts in ancient political philosophy. The treatise delves into a wide range of topics such as diplomacy, law, taxation, espionage and administration, offering practical and strategic insights that are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. Kautilya's work emphasises the importance of realpolitik, effective use of power and pragmatic decision-making in maintaining a stable and prosperous state. It addresses the role of the people, the economy, and the military in achieving national success. The Arthashastra remains a vital resource for understanding political systems, leadership ethics, and governance. Its timeless wisdom has influenced not only Indian rulers but also political theorists worldwide, making it a cornerstone of classical Indian literature.

"He (Kautilya) sat with the reins of empire in his hands and looked upon the emperor more as a loved pupil than as master. Simple and austere in his life, uninterested in the pomp and pageantry of high position."

-Jawaharlal Nehru

Kautilya (c. 4th century BCE), also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian scholar, philosopher and statesman who played a decisive role in the establishment of the Mauryan Empire. A teacher at the renowned Takshashila University, he was a master of political science, economics and statecraft. Kautilya is best known as the chief advisor and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya, guiding him in overthrowing the Nanda dynasty and laying the foundations of a vast and powerful empire. A profound thinker with a pragmatic approach to governance, Kautilya combined sharp political realism with a systematic vision of administration and public welfare. His insights into diplomacy, economic policy, military strategy and law were far ahead of his time and reflected a deep understanding of power, ethics and statecraft. Through his seminal work, Arthashastra, he articulated comprehensive principles for effective governance, many of which continue to be studied for their relevance to political theory and public administration. Kautilya’s legacy endures as one of the earliest and most influential minds in the history of political thought.

Noteworthy work by Kautilya:

Chanakya Niti

Book I: Concerning Discipline

• Chapter 1 & 2: The Life of a King & The End of Sciences. . 3
• Chapter 3: The End of Sciences. . 5
• Chapter 4: The End of Sciences. . 7
• Chapter 5: Association with the Aged. . 9
• Chapter 6: Restraint of the Organs of Sense. . 11
• Chapter 7: Restraint of the Organs of Sense. . 13
• Chapter 8: Creation of Ministers. . 15
• Chapter 9: The Creation of Councillors and Priests. . 17
• Chapter 10: Ascertaining by Temptations Purity or Impurity in the Character of Ministers. . 19
• Chapter 11: The Institution of Spies. . 22
• Chapter 12: Institution of Spies. . 25
• Chapter 13: Protection of Parties for or Against One’s Own Cause in One’s Own State. . 29
• Chapter 14: Winning Over Factions for or Against an Enemy’s Cause in an Enemy’s State. . 32
• Chapter 15: The Business of Council Meeting. . 35
• Chapter 16: The Mission of Envoys. . 39
• Chapter 17: Protection of Princes. . 43
• Chapter 18: The Conduct of a Prince Kept Under Restraint and the Treatment of a Restrained Prince. . 47
• Chapter 19: The Duties of a King. . 49
• Chapter 20: Duty Towards the Harem. . 52
• Chapter 21: Personal Safety. . 55

Book II: The Duties of Government Superintendents

• Chapter 1: Formation of Villages. . 61
• Chapter 2: Division of Land. . 65
• Chapter 3: Construction of Forts. . 68
• Chapter 4: Buildings within the Fort. . 72
• Chapter 5: The Duties of the Chamberlain. . 75
• Chapter 6: The Business of Collection of Revenue by the Collector-General. . 78
• Chapter 7: The Business of Keeping up Accounts in the Office of Accountants. . 82
• Chapter 8: Detection of What is Embezzled by Government Servants out of State Revenue. . 87
• Chapter 9: Examination of the Conduct of Government Servants. . 91
• Chapter 10: The Procedure of Forming Royal Writs. . 95
• Chapter 11: Examination of Gems that are to be Entered into the Treasury. . 100
• Chapter 12: Conducting Mining Operations and Manufacture. . 108
• Chapter 13: Superintendent of Gold in the Goldsmith’s Office. . 113
• Chapter 14: The Duties of the State Goldsmith in the High Road. . 118
• Chapter 15: The Superintendent of Storehouse. . 124
• Chapter 16: The Superintendent of Commerce. . 130
• Chapter 17: The Superintendent of Forest Produce. . 133
• Chapter 18: The Superintendent of the Armoury. . 136
• Chapter 19: The Superintendent of Weights and Measures. . 139
• Chapter 20: Measurement of Space and Time. . 143
• Chapter 21: The Superintendent of Tolls. . 147
• Chapter 22: Regulation of Toll-Dues. . 151
• Chapter 23: Superintendent of Weaving. . 153
• Chapter 24: The Superintendent of Agriculture. . 155
• Chapter 25: The Superintendent of Liquor. . 160
• Chapter 26: The Superintendent of Slaughter-House. . 165
• Chapter 27: The Superintendent of Prostitutes. . 167
• Chapter 28: The Superintendent of Ships. . 171
• Chapter 29: The Superintendent of Cows. . 174
• Chapter 30: The Superintendent of Horses. . 179
• Chapter 31: The Superintendent of Elephants. . 184
• Chapter 32: Training of Elephants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
• Chapter 33: The Superintendent of Chariots; The Superintendent of Infantry and the Duty of the Commander-in-Chief. . 190
• Chapter 34: The Superintendent of Passports. . 192
• Chapter 35: The Duty of Revenue-Collectors; Spies in the Guise of Householders, Merchants and Ascetics. . 194
• Chapter 36: The Duty of a City Superintendent. . 197

Book III: Concerning Law

• Chapter 1: Determination of Forms of Agreement; Determination of Legal Disputes. . 205
• Chapter 2: Concerning Marriage. The Duty of Marriage, The Property of a Woman, and Compensations for Remarriage. . 210
• Chapter 3: The Duty of a Wife; Maintenance of a Woman; Cruelty to Women; Enmity between Husband and Wife; A Wife’s Transgression; Her Kindness to Another; And Forbidden Transactions. . 214
• Chapter 4: Vagrancy, Elopement and Short and Long So journments. . 218
• Chapter 5: Division of Inheritance. . 222
• Chapter 6: Special Shares in Inheritance. . 225
• Chapter 7: Distinction between Sons. . 228
• Chapter 8: Buildings. . 231
• Chapter 9: Sale of Buildings, Boundary Disputes, Determination of Boundaries, and Miscellaneous Hindrances. . 234
• Chapter 10: Destruction of Pasture-Lands, Fields and Roads, and Non-Performance of Agreements. . 238
• Chapter 11: Recovery of Debts. . 242
• Chapter 12: Concerning Deposits. . 247
• Chapter 13: Rules Regarding Slaves and Labourers. . 252
• Chapter 14: Rules Regarding Labourers; And Co-Operative Undertaking. . 256
• Chapter 15: Rescission of Purchase and Sale. . 260
• Chapter 16: Resumption of Gifts, Sale without Ownership and Ownership. . 262
• Chapter 17: Robbery. . 266
• Chapter 18: Defamation. . 268
• Chapter 19: Assault. . 270
• Chapter 20: Gambling and Betting and Miscellaneous Offences. . 274

Book IV: The Removal of Thorns

• Chapter 1: Protection of Artisans. . 279
• Chapter 2: Protection of Merchants. . 284
• Chapter 3: Remedies Against National Calamities. . 287
• Chapter 4: Suppression of the Wicked Living by Foul Means. . 291
• Chapter 5: Detection of Youths of Criminal Tendency by Ascetic Spies. . 294
• Chapter 6: Seizure of Criminals on Suspicion or in the Very Act. . 297
• Chapter 7: Examination of Sudden Death. . 302
• Chapter 8: Trial and Torture to Elicit Confession. . . . . . . . 305
• Chapter 9: Protection of All Kinds of Government Departments. . 309
• Chapter 10: Fines in Lieu of Mutilation of Limbs. . 314
• Chapter 11: Death with or without Torture. . 317
• Chapter 12: Sexual Intercourse with Immature Girls. . 320
• Chapter 13: Punishment for Violating Justice. . 324

Book V: The Conduct of Courtiers

• Chapter 1: Concerning the Awards of Punishments. . 330
• Chapter 2: Replenishment of the Treasury. . 335
• Chapter 3: Concerning Subsistence to Government Servants. . 341
• Chapter 4: The Conduct of a Courtier. . 345
• Chapter 5: Time-Serving. . 348
• Chapter 6: Consolidation of the Kingdom and Absolute Sovereignty. . 351

Book VI: The Source of Sovereign States

• Chapter 1: The Elements of Sovereignty. . 357
• Chapter 2: Concerning Peace and Exertion. . 360

Book VII: The End of the Six-Fold Policy

• Chapter 1: The Six-Fold Policy, and Determination of Deterioration, Stagnation and Progress. . 367
• Chapter 2: The Nature of Alliance. . 371
• Chapter 3: The Character of Equal, Inferior and Superior Kings; and Forms of Agreement Made by an Inferior King. . 373
• Chapter 4: Neutrality After Proclaiming War or After Concluding a Treaty of Peace; Marching After Proclaiming War or After Making Peace; and the March of Combined Powers. . 377
• Chapter 5: Considerations about Marching Against an Assailable Enemy and a Strong Enemy; Causes Leading to the Dwindling, Greed, and Disloyalty of the Army; and Considerations about the Combination of Powers. . 381
• Chapter 6: The March of Combined Powers; Agreement of Peace with or without Definite Terms; and Peace with Renegades. . 387
• Chapter 7: Peace and War by Adopting the Double Policy. . 393
• Chapter 8: The Attitude of an Assailable Enemy; and Friends that Deserve Help. . 397
• Chapter 9: Agreement for the Acquisition of a Friend or Gold. . 401
• Chapter 10: Agreement of Peace for the Acquisition of Land. . 406
• Chapter 11: Interminable Agreement. . 409
• Chapter 12: Agreement for Undertaking a Work. . 413
• Chapter 13: Considerations about an Enemy in the Rear. . 416
• Chapter 14: Recruitment of Lost Power. . 420
• Chapter 15: Measures Conducive to Peace with a Strong and Provoked Enemy; and the Attitude of a Conquered Enemy. . 423
• Chapter 16: The Attitude of a Conquered King. . 427
• Chapter 17: Making Peace and Breaking It. . 431
• Chapter 18: The Conduct of a Madhyama King, A Neutral King, and of a Circle of States. . 436

Book VIII: Concerning Vices and Calamities

• Chapter 1: The Aggregate of the Calamities of the Elements of Sovereignty. . 443
• Chapter 2: Considerations about the Troubles of the King and of His Kingdom. . 448
• Chapter 3: The Aggregate of the Trouble of Men. . 451
• Chapter 4: The Group of Molestations, The Group of Obstructions, and the Group of Financial Troubles. . 455
• Chapter 5: The Group of Troubles of the Army, And the Group of Troubles of a Friend. . 460

Book IX: The Work of an Invader

• Chapter 1: The Knowledge of Power, Place, Time, Strength, And Weakness; The Time of Invasion. . 467
• Chapter 2: The Time of Recruiting the Army; The Form of Equipment; And the Work of Arraying a Rival Force. . 471
• Chapter 3: Consideration of Annoyance in the Rear; And Remedies Against Internal and External Troubles. . 475
• Chapter 4: Consideration about Loss of Men, Wealth, And Profit. . 479
• Chapter 5: External and Internal Dangers. . 482
• Chapter 6: Persons Associated with Traitors and Enemies. . 485
• Chapter 7: Doubts about Wealth and Harm; And Success to be Obtained by the Employment of Alternative Strategic Means. . 490

Book X: Relating to War

• Chapter 1: Encampment. . 499
• Chapter 2: March of the Camp; And Protection of the Army in Times of Distress and Attack. . 501
• Chapter 3: Forms of Treacherous Fights; Encouragement to One’s Own Army and Fight between One’s Own and Enemy’s Armies. . 504
• Chapter 4: Battlefields; The Work of Infantry, Cavalry, Chariots, And Elephants. . 509
• Chapter 5: The Distinctive Array of Troops in Respect of Wings, Flanks, And Front; Distinction between Strong and Weak Troops; And Battle with Infantry, Cavalry, Chariots and Elephants. . 512
• Chapter 6: The Array of the Army Like a Staff, A Snake, A Circle, or in Detached Order; The Array of
• the Army Against that of an Enemy. . . . . . . . . . 516

Book XI: The Conduct of Corporations

• Chapter 1: Causes of Dissension; And Secret Punishment. . 523

Book XII: Concerning a Powerful Enemy

• Chapter 1: The Duties of a Messenger. . 531
• Chapter 2: Battle of Intrigue. . 534
• Chapter 3: Slaying the Commander-in-Chief and Inciting a Circle of States. . 537
• Chapter 4: Spies with Weapons, Fire, And Poison; And Destruction of Supply, Stores and Granaries. . 540
• Chapter 5: Capture of the Enemy by Means of Secret Contrivances or by Means of the Army; And Complete Victory. . 543

Book XIII: Strategic Means to Capture a Fortress

• Chapter 1: Sowing the Seeds of Dissension. . 549
• Chapter 2: Enticement of Kings by Secret Contrivances. . 552
• Chapter 3: The Work of Spies in a Siege. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557
• Chapter 4: The Operation of a Siege. . 562
• Chapter 5: Restoration of Peace in a Conquered Country. . 568

Book XIV: Secret Means

• Chapter 1: Means to Injure an Enemy. . 573
• Chapter 2: Wonderful and Delusive Contrivances. . 579
• Chapter 3: The Application of Medicines and Mantras. . 585
• Chapter 4: Remedies Against the Injuries of One’s Own Army. . 592

Book XV: The Plan of a Treatise

• Chapter 1: Paragraphical Divisions of this Treatise. . 597