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.