Artha is an all-embracing word with a variety of meanings. In {1.7.6-7}, it is used in the sense of material well-being; in {15.1.1}, livelihood; in {1.4.3}, economically productive activity, particularly in agriculture, cattle rearing and trade; and, in general, wealth as in the ‘Wealth of Nations’. Arthashastra is thus ‘the science of politics’ as it is used in {1.1.1} or {1.4.3}. It is the art of government in its widest sense. The subjects covered include: administration; law, order and justice; taxation, revenue and expenditure; foreign policy; defence and war. Its three objectives follow
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