ARTHA SHASTRA
The "Arthashastra"
is an ancient book written by Chanakya
around 4th Century BCE on the art of politics, diplomacy, war,
and national strategy. Chanakya (Kautilya, Vishnugupta) was scholar at Takshashila (Taxila). Later he became
the Prime Minister of the Maurya Empire
and was close associate and master of Chandragupta
Maurya. Different scholars have translated the word "ArthaShastra" in different ways.
Here are fews: "Science of Politics",
a treatise to help a king in "the acquisition and protection of the
earth"; "Science of Material
Gain"; "Science of
Political Economy" etc.
According to Chanakya, the primary duty of the king is to protect "Dharma" or righteousness in society. King who upholds righteousness and virtue
will have happiness in this world. On the other side, king who uses his power
improperly and unjustly deserves to be punished. The sacred task of a king is
to strive for the welfare of his state’s people. The administration of the
kingdom is his religious duty. His greatest gift would be to treat all as
equals.
The Arthashastra is divided into
fifteen separate books, each concerning a different aspect of statecraft.
According to Chanakaya:
"Sovereignty is possible only with assistance.
A single wheel can never move, hence the king shall employ ministers and hear
their opinion".
This bears a
certain resemblance to modern business rules.
Arthashastra
deals in detail with the qualities required for a King (Rajarshi, a wise and
virtuous king). According to Chanakya, a Rajarshi is one who:
- Has self-control, having conquered his senses;
- Cultivates the intellect by association with elders;
- Keeps his eyes open through spies;
- Is ever active in promoting the security and welfare of the people;
- Ensures the observance (by the people) of their dharma by authority and example;
- Improves his own discipline by (continuing his) learning in all branches of knowledge;
- Keep away from another's wife;
- Not covet another's property;
- Practice ahimsa (non-violence towards all living things);
- Avoid daydreaming, untrustworthiness, falsehood and lavishness; and
- Avoid association with harmful persons and indulging in harmful activities.
· Chanakaya
says that artha (Sound
Economies) is the most important; dharma and kaama are both dependent on it. Rajarishi shall always respect those advisers who warn him of the
dangers of being too good, reminding him sharply of the times prescribed for
various duties and cautioning him on his false judgment. An ideal king is one
who has the highest qualities of leadership, intellect, energy & personal
attributes.
Arthashastra and Catustayam - Four Diplomatic
Principles:
The Arthashastra contains
the reference of Catustayam (Srimad
Baghavatam Canto 7, Chapter 5 Verse No. 19), the four diplomatic
principles: (Saam, Daam, Dand and Bhed).
Saam
Appeasement,
Non-aggression
Pact
|
The policy of getting work done
through brotherhood. The solutions can be worked out to complex problems
through (peaceful) negotiations
|
Daam
Gift,
Bribery
|
The policy of getting work done
through money The money works as catalyst in order to sort out issue when
(peaceful) negotiations failed.
|
Dand
Strength,
Punishment
|
The policy of getting work done
through punishment Where Saam and Daam do not work, and then punishment is
the third option. Depending upon the intensity of issue, the type of Dand is
to be utilized.
|
Bhed
Divide,
Split, Separating
|
The policy of getting work done
through Divide and Rule. When nothing (Saam, Daam, Dand) works, then this is the
last option, though not encouraged at all by Chanakaya.
|
Apart from above four
principles, Chanakaya recommended other strategies also in dealing with
neighboring powers to Chandragupta Maurya. Such strategies are: Maya
(Illusion, Deceit), Upeksha (Ignoring the enemy) and Indrajala
(Faking military strength).
Note:
This article is written on the basis of searching on Google & Books
Preview available on Google books. For any mistake or further
improvement for the text, please mail at mailing address.