What do you think?
Rate this book
Complete Chanakya Neeti
Complete Chanakya Neeti by Acharya Vishwamitra Sharma provides the intellectual, moral, and philosophical insights of the great economist and political strategist, Chanakya. This translation narrates the dos and don’ts of life to ensure success in the future. Summary Of The Book Complete Chanakya Neeti by Acharya Vishwamitra Sharma deals with the Indian philosopher, teacher, and royal advisor, Chanakya. Having been a teacher of political science and economics at Takshashila University, Chanakya was responsible for tutoring Chandragupta, the first Maurya emperor. The different rules and policies that governed the Maurya Empire was largely devised by Chanakya. Even after Chandragupta’s reign ended, he tutored and guided the next ruler, Bindusara. This book contains the one of the two works that were credited to Chanakya, Neetishastra. This work details how a person must live his/her life. It provides a list of ideal qualities one should follow and is a study of the Indian way of life
168 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2004
153 people are currently reading
1582 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 2, 2011
Great wisdom - but requires a mature reader to imbibe it in the right spirit. Many of the sayings are so relevant and striking. Knowing Sanskrit will make the reading wotrthwhile.
I found, "women" however are often referred to as "Cunning" and objects of desire only and not looked at as beings with a soul too.
I found, "women" however are often referred to as "Cunning" and objects of desire only and not looked at as beings with a soul too.
October 2, 2020
I am not sure if I have read the correct edition but Chanakya had a different mindset to perceive the atrocities of this world. He had degraded women in his quotes so many times but never raising his voice not even once against the patriarchal culture. Some of the statements he penned and circulated during that era were hard-hitting and intriguing. But there are many things that made me think I don't agree with him. I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone because it represented his inane and cunning ideology. It's up to you which path you would want to follow in life.
November 28, 2020
Chanakya Niti.
I had a lot of expectations from this book. I wanted to learn the secrets of the Arthashastra so that I can use them in my present times.
The ideal way of life that Chanakya portrays through his ideologies and philosophies covers almost every aspect of life like financial, relational, family, social, governance, enmity, education etc.
As I went through the book I realized that many ideologies that were made or explored by Chanakya were formulated according to that time and I don't think that they can stand helpful in todays world. Many of the ideologies seemed to me very outdated and if you will try to implement them today you can fall in trouble. Now we don't have kings to rule us nor the political structure is same as the past, the financial and economical situations are very different and today we are living in the Globalization era and so implementing the outdated principles seems difficult. After completion of the book I felt that only around 4 to 5 % of the Chankaya Niti can be used in present life.
The ideologies are in Sanskrit and so you have to go through the translation to understand what is being stated. The translation in this seemed accurate to me and ideologies are being explained in satisfactory detail. It is not that you will also learn some Sanskrit vocabulary while reading the book.
Overall I would say that it was not a worthy read. The book has around 350 pages and don't deserve the time that it would take to complete.
I had a lot of expectations from this book. I wanted to learn the secrets of the Arthashastra so that I can use them in my present times.
The ideal way of life that Chanakya portrays through his ideologies and philosophies covers almost every aspect of life like financial, relational, family, social, governance, enmity, education etc.
As I went through the book I realized that many ideologies that were made or explored by Chanakya were formulated according to that time and I don't think that they can stand helpful in todays world. Many of the ideologies seemed to me very outdated and if you will try to implement them today you can fall in trouble. Now we don't have kings to rule us nor the political structure is same as the past, the financial and economical situations are very different and today we are living in the Globalization era and so implementing the outdated principles seems difficult. After completion of the book I felt that only around 4 to 5 % of the Chankaya Niti can be used in present life.
The ideologies are in Sanskrit and so you have to go through the translation to understand what is being stated. The translation in this seemed accurate to me and ideologies are being explained in satisfactory detail. It is not that you will also learn some Sanskrit vocabulary while reading the book.
Overall I would say that it was not a worthy read. The book has around 350 pages and don't deserve the time that it would take to complete.
October 11, 2014
One of the precious classics of the world. This book has taught me with great information to lead one's life.
The man who completed his higher study from Taxila University. Today, if you compare Taxila University with MIT, Boston. It will be a matter of great shame for Taxila.Such, was the greatness of Taxila.
This book helped me in gaining some great information which i see around myself or will certainly experience in future. This book taught me three important message which are -
1. In life, if you ever have to choose between an evil person and a snake. Choose snake. Snake will harm you
only in self defense. Evil person will harm you at their interest.
2. You can't have peace or joy with evil wife. They are like attachment who knows how to make person addictive
and finally make them weak.Evil wife is like a slow poison.
3. Never live your life in debt. Its like putting yourself on slow flame which will ultimately destroy you.
Well, i call Chanakya an absolute genius and I call them fools who say him "The Indian Machiavelli".He is "THE CHANAKYA".
The man who completed his higher study from Taxila University. Today, if you compare Taxila University with MIT, Boston. It will be a matter of great shame for Taxila.Such, was the greatness of Taxila.
This book helped me in gaining some great information which i see around myself or will certainly experience in future. This book taught me three important message which are -
1. In life, if you ever have to choose between an evil person and a snake. Choose snake. Snake will harm you
only in self defense. Evil person will harm you at their interest.
2. You can't have peace or joy with evil wife. They are like attachment who knows how to make person addictive
and finally make them weak.Evil wife is like a slow poison.
3. Never live your life in debt. Its like putting yourself on slow flame which will ultimately destroy you.
Well, i call Chanakya an absolute genius and I call them fools who say him "The Indian Machiavelli".He is "THE CHANAKYA".
June 21, 2017
The Chanakya was a great Brahmin Scholar who studied at Taxila University around A.D.320. He was the KING MAKER and a great mentor, guru, counsel and minister of emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Chanakya saw the teenager ChandraGupta who had been thrown out by powerful Nanda's and who lived in exile with his mother. Being insulted by Nanda King at his palace, Chanakya avowed to pull down his entire kingdom and while rushing out of that palace toward forest, a thorn struck to the feet of Chanakya. Already infuriated by insult at palace, he kicked that thorn plant, uprooted it and removed all its roots and smashed/destroyed it too. ['Completely destroy your enemy and your illness'-is also his saying].
Wise and keen boy Chandragupta, having royal blood, too saw this matter. And then they both met. Rest is great history. With wisdom, strategy, guidance and unfathomable knowledge and foreseeing ability of Chanakya, Nandas and many others were assassinated through espionage, vishakanya/seductive woman with inherent poison, allying, war, pact and what not!.
During truce with Greeks, Chanakya made the daughter of Solilocus to marry Chandragupta!. Chandragupta's grand son was Ashoka-the Great. Chanakya convinced enemy king's faithful brilliant minister RAKSHASA to become Chandragupta's minister and Chanakya took long leave!. Next he wrote texts, morals, constitution, formula etc.
It is this great sage like simple learned man who lived in a modest hut till his death, who built a King and a great Maurya empire in India and beyond it, intimidating Alexander as well, who mastered-not mere learned-the skill and art in agriculture, business, politics, war, black magic, alchemy, philosophy, medicine, science, astrology, zoology, animal training, espionage, law, human resources, metallurgy, economics, healing and many other, wrote ARTHA SHASTRA famously known as Kautilya's Arthshastra [it is the first holistic CONSTITUTION of a Nation ever written by a man in human history!-most of it's portions are relevant even today for any State on earth!]
This book contains the English translation of shlokas which are concentrated words of Chanakya on all-YES, ALL-aspects of LIFE. TO LEAD A GREAT LIFE.
'Money/wealth/earth/State is the root of dharma/law', 'Victory over senses is the root for empire/State', 'Show rudeness to the rude, that is the best approach toward the rude' 'Never reveal your insult, loss of money, private clashes at home to any one' 'Keep spies to observe your spies' 'Baiting money to the greedy, without arguing against the fools, flattering the crooked and by simply telling the truth to the learned gentlemen, you can win all of them' 'Never disclose/leak out your plans and strategy till completion of your intnded goal/project' 'Your neighbour State's neighbour State will be your friendly State' ----many other gems----So many other gems---
I still become dumbfounded and baffled by the unparalleled depth of wisdom, strategic and incredible ways so briefly and boldly outlined by this deceptively simple and slender man who is known as Chanakya, Kautilya, Vatsayana, Vishnugupta Drumidasharma et cetera---
He was a too rare man in human history who was stronger than steel and softer than silk---
As all great men, he never bothered about name or fame---or to write his name in flashy colours on any of his great works!, But he gave hints in it to identify him in them by the wise and the nice----
'The fragrance of flower spreads only in the direction of the wind, but the goodness of a man spreads in all directions'-Chanakya's sayings like this even now bristles my hair with all thrill and joy and inspiration---
If we read this book and apply at least some strategies/morals/conducts/ways/philosophy/ techniques etc. so succinctly outlined in it, our personal and professional progress will be sure. Proof/Example: Me!. [Ha!,without any vanity or exaggeration].
I read this book at least twice in every year---which opens new windows in me and it always make me feel super strong and in complete control of all areas of my life, with a rare type of smile on my face whose meaning no one can grasp----It in fact naturally spreads on my face owing to my deep admiration of that Indian great giant CHANAKYA whose thoughts and ways and words are universal in nature, beyond all boundaries and limits---.
I strongly recommend this book and any authentic book written on Chanakya.
Wise and keen boy Chandragupta, having royal blood, too saw this matter. And then they both met. Rest is great history. With wisdom, strategy, guidance and unfathomable knowledge and foreseeing ability of Chanakya, Nandas and many others were assassinated through espionage, vishakanya/seductive woman with inherent poison, allying, war, pact and what not!.
During truce with Greeks, Chanakya made the daughter of Solilocus to marry Chandragupta!. Chandragupta's grand son was Ashoka-the Great. Chanakya convinced enemy king's faithful brilliant minister RAKSHASA to become Chandragupta's minister and Chanakya took long leave!. Next he wrote texts, morals, constitution, formula etc.
It is this great sage like simple learned man who lived in a modest hut till his death, who built a King and a great Maurya empire in India and beyond it, intimidating Alexander as well, who mastered-not mere learned-the skill and art in agriculture, business, politics, war, black magic, alchemy, philosophy, medicine, science, astrology, zoology, animal training, espionage, law, human resources, metallurgy, economics, healing and many other, wrote ARTHA SHASTRA famously known as Kautilya's Arthshastra [it is the first holistic CONSTITUTION of a Nation ever written by a man in human history!-most of it's portions are relevant even today for any State on earth!]
This book contains the English translation of shlokas which are concentrated words of Chanakya on all-YES, ALL-aspects of LIFE. TO LEAD A GREAT LIFE.
'Money/wealth/earth/State is the root of dharma/law', 'Victory over senses is the root for empire/State', 'Show rudeness to the rude, that is the best approach toward the rude' 'Never reveal your insult, loss of money, private clashes at home to any one' 'Keep spies to observe your spies' 'Baiting money to the greedy, without arguing against the fools, flattering the crooked and by simply telling the truth to the learned gentlemen, you can win all of them' 'Never disclose/leak out your plans and strategy till completion of your intnded goal/project' 'Your neighbour State's neighbour State will be your friendly State' ----many other gems----So many other gems---
I still become dumbfounded and baffled by the unparalleled depth of wisdom, strategic and incredible ways so briefly and boldly outlined by this deceptively simple and slender man who is known as Chanakya, Kautilya, Vatsayana, Vishnugupta Drumidasharma et cetera---
He was a too rare man in human history who was stronger than steel and softer than silk---
As all great men, he never bothered about name or fame---or to write his name in flashy colours on any of his great works!, But he gave hints in it to identify him in them by the wise and the nice----
'The fragrance of flower spreads only in the direction of the wind, but the goodness of a man spreads in all directions'-Chanakya's sayings like this even now bristles my hair with all thrill and joy and inspiration---
If we read this book and apply at least some strategies/morals/conducts/ways/philosophy/ techniques etc. so succinctly outlined in it, our personal and professional progress will be sure. Proof/Example: Me!. [Ha!,without any vanity or exaggeration].
I read this book at least twice in every year---which opens new windows in me and it always make me feel super strong and in complete control of all areas of my life, with a rare type of smile on my face whose meaning no one can grasp----It in fact naturally spreads on my face owing to my deep admiration of that Indian great giant CHANAKYA whose thoughts and ways and words are universal in nature, beyond all boundaries and limits---.
I strongly recommend this book and any authentic book written on Chanakya.
Read
April 21, 2010It was a crisp translation. If it at all it is an untouched version of Chankya's words then I did not like his attitude towards women.I could not understand being such a masterful political strategist of his time ,how can his judgement in certain cases about women can be soooo wrong!!Either the author's interpretation is wrong or the actual words have been distorted over the years or ....
April 6, 2015
Great insight to a great mind... His thoughts and views still work today
February 29, 2012
OK. Having followed Indian history since age of 10, and having read the Rudrapatnam Shamasastry's verse, I found few variations which actually were not part of the original piece.
Especially attitude towards women in this particular book is different from the original work
When Chanakya says that the heart of a woman is not united, but divided, he doesnt meant that woman has lustful feelings towards many men.
Also, we should remember, that his depiction of character of women was based in that period ( 320 BC approx..). I really appreciated where he is supportive of re-marriage of a widow, especially at that particular period of time.
Especially attitude towards women in this particular book is different from the original work
When Chanakya says that the heart of a woman is not united, but divided, he doesnt meant that woman has lustful feelings towards many men.
Also, we should remember, that his depiction of character of women was based in that period ( 320 BC approx..). I really appreciated where he is supportive of re-marriage of a widow, especially at that particular period of time.
October 10, 2017
Chanakya, one of the most eminent names in Indian Scholarly and an ode to intelligence, a book depicting his thoughts was no doubt a treasure. Coming to this book as a translation of Chanakya's thoughts, this isn't something you should spend your time on. The language isn't eloquent enough to translate such great couplets. Talking about the content, it basically deals with social life and is influenced by the specific time it was written in. The book is orthodox, dogmatic and women baiting. Ignoring these flaws, out of a vast ocean, you would still be able to find some pearls of wisdom nonetheless.
January 20, 2020
A collection of selected quotes by Chanakya- the Indian Machiavelli, has simple translations albeit not accurate throughout.
Firstly, this is not the 'complete' Chanakya Neeti. It's merely for light-reading and picking quotes.
Secondly, I found the translations problematic for they were not accurate. A general understanding of Sanskrit is helpful to grasp the quotes properly.
Lastly, a few quotes might sound irrelevant in the present context. Reading them in the backdrop of Chanakya's time is helpful. If one wishes to understand Chanakya and his thought what better way than to read 'Arthshastra'!
Firstly, this is not the 'complete' Chanakya Neeti. It's merely for light-reading and picking quotes.
Secondly, I found the translations problematic for they were not accurate. A general understanding of Sanskrit is helpful to grasp the quotes properly.
Lastly, a few quotes might sound irrelevant in the present context. Reading them in the backdrop of Chanakya's time is helpful. If one wishes to understand Chanakya and his thought what better way than to read 'Arthshastra'!
September 4, 2012
Outdated! Although some of Chanakya's ideas made sense but most of the book was nothing more than a pro-brahmin and anti-women bunch of rigid thoughts. Usage of strong words for the people of certain caste and gender was enough for me to lose interest in one of the (so-called) greatest works in the history. Also, poor and casual translation of the 'shlokas' rub you the wrong way. Overall, a sheer disappointment.
September 3, 2013
Very relevant even today . You just need the right mind to see why this guy was considered even greater than machiavelli . Though if you want to really read something in the league of "The prince" , I recommend Arthashastra .
He might feel anti women to some but actually he vacillates on that position . Also , there is enough prescription to de - recognize caste and it's other appendages . Great book .
He might feel anti women to some but actually he vacillates on that position . Also , there is enough prescription to de - recognize caste and it's other appendages . Great book .
January 12, 2016
This is amazing book. Must read for everyone.
Also read my books -The beautiful Roses- http://swapnarajput.blogspot.in/2016/...
Good reads-https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Upcoming book- Amazing Legends of India- http://swapnarajput.blogspot.in/2016/...
Also read my books -The beautiful Roses- http://swapnarajput.blogspot.in/2016/...
Good reads-https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Upcoming book- Amazing Legends of India- http://swapnarajput.blogspot.in/2016/...
May 6, 2017
Keep in mind that these were the thoughts of a person ~2300 years ago, albeit a great statesman.
There are many good life lessons here to be learned; just make sure you skip all the outdated thoughts and beliefs.
There are many good life lessons here to be learned; just make sure you skip all the outdated thoughts and beliefs.
April 6, 2020
I could not appreciate the book. The ideas are mostly outdated and the book does not enhance your thinking ability, but rather gives you a set up thumb rules to live by. Also, the thumb rules are fairly straight forward and most of them are not relevant today.
March 26, 2013
A GREAT BOOK!!!
March 24, 2017
It's an awakening book
December 8, 2023
A nice way to spend your time, the thoughts are not that useful in the present times but they are appealing and simple.
The presentation is apt so as to not let it lost in the translation
The presentation is apt so as to not let it lost in the translation
December 2, 2019
This is nice book.
September 9, 2024
interesting perspective and advice on how to live your life - some of the views CAN be outdated, but we should keep in mind the time that this was written in!
March 5, 2020
I will only give the book 3 stars. The book by Chanakya contains valuable insights and knowledge about human traits and behavior. I found them to be applicable in our present generation also even though it was written centuries ago. At the same time, I should also point out the misogynistic views expressed by Chanakya. They seems really out of the world and if someone writes a book like this today, I am sure they will be bashed in public; Even the translator/author Mr. Vishwamitra also feels the same and the views expressed in the couplets in many occasions were found to be contradicting with each other.
I must say the book do provide some useful information in dealing with our day to day life. But many of the contents are dogmatic and misleading which makes us question the wisdom and ideology of Chanakya on many occasions. It could be because it was written in a different century. Anyway, one should be prepared to get offended reading the book and also take it with a pinch of salt. :)
I must say the book do provide some useful information in dealing with our day to day life. But many of the contents are dogmatic and misleading which makes us question the wisdom and ideology of Chanakya on many occasions. It could be because it was written in a different century. Anyway, one should be prepared to get offended reading the book and also take it with a pinch of salt. :)
November 11, 2019
Yes ! Life's User Manual do exist.
Chanakya was a great scholar, teacher, economist and statesman in ancient India. In this book, he act as a ruthless teacher who will teach you how to deal with your family, habits, friends and foe.
Ancient Indian literature has lot of goodness to offer, Chanakya Neeti is one of them.The book is a complete package of do's and dont's one should adhere in daily life. It has Sanskrit couplets with English translations and lucid commentary to understand the message clearly. It is a perfect self help book which one must read once in his lifetime before it is too late.
There are some teachings which is contradictory to today's science and ethics but it can be ignored if you are a mature individual.
This book deserves high 5.
Chanakya was a great scholar, teacher, economist and statesman in ancient India. In this book, he act as a ruthless teacher who will teach you how to deal with your family, habits, friends and foe.
Ancient Indian literature has lot of goodness to offer, Chanakya Neeti is one of them.The book is a complete package of do's and dont's one should adhere in daily life. It has Sanskrit couplets with English translations and lucid commentary to understand the message clearly. It is a perfect self help book which one must read once in his lifetime before it is too late.
There are some teachings which is contradictory to today's science and ethics but it can be ignored if you are a mature individual.
This book deserves high 5.
June 14, 2021
Petition to rename Chanakya Neeti as "Pride and Prejudice (about Women & Casteism)".
Okay jokes apart. It is one gem of a book with a plethora of knowledge that it offers & facilitates practical application of the knowledge. We have to keep in mind that it is set in a medieval backdrop so a lot of things do not apply in todays world. So while reading, try to take the knowledge relevant to you and discard the rest..
Okay jokes apart. It is one gem of a book with a plethora of knowledge that it offers & facilitates practical application of the knowledge. We have to keep in mind that it is set in a medieval backdrop so a lot of things do not apply in todays world. So while reading, try to take the knowledge relevant to you and discard the rest..
Read
October 24, 2022There you can find some interesting things about how the past used to live, and what one ought to do. And in a sense, you can actually find what one must do nowadays to live a better life and lead towards better and higher goals.
There are some old things that used to work in the past but are not working in the present time, and this book explain it.
There are some old things that used to work in the past but are not working in the present time, and this book explain it.
December 26, 2021
Assuming the translation from Sanskrit to English to be true, this book is misleading, disturbing, highly misogynistic, sexist, casteist, promotes patriarchy, should be dumped in trash and never published again. And few of the quotes which are still relevant, Chanakya copied them from Jay Shetty.
May 19, 2022
A great read from a one of the greatest strategist. Though I felt in some places he made look women smaller, but that was how things were during his time maybe. Otherwise the book is a must read for everyone who want key learning for life as a whole.
April 20, 2024
The words of wisdom have to be taken with huge doses of salt, as they reflect the times and belief of Chankaya and are most certainly not to be taken literally in this day.
The more infuriating part of the book is the supposed commentary. Very superficial and seems little more than translation.
The more infuriating part of the book is the supposed commentary. Very superficial and seems little more than translation.
February 25, 2018
5 for what chanakya quoted & 1 for the author
February 18, 2018
A collection of Chanakya's thoughts in "Do's and don'ts" which one can apply in conduct of one's daily life.. His philosophy and wisdom..
September 14, 2018
The translation has not only lost most of the nuance, but also misunderstands and adds biased pointers throughout the book. It's like a bad movie adaptation of a good book. Happens all too often.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews