The ARTHASHASTRA

by Chanakya

dharma, artha, kama and moksha, roughly translated as moral behaviour, wealth, worldly pleasures and salvation.

the magnificent five-volume ‘History of the Dharmashastra’ by Dr. P.V. Kane.

the wealth of a nation is both the territory of the state and its inhabitants who may follow a variety of occupations {15.1.1}.

‘A King with a depleted treasury eats into the very vitality of the citizens and the country’ says Kautilya {2.1.16}.

a King who impoverishes his own people or angers them by unjust exactions will also lose their loyalty {7.5.27}.

‘A king meting out unjust punishment is hated by the people he terrorises while one who is too lenient is held in contempt; whoever imposes just and deserved punishment is respected and honoured {1.4.7-10}.

Five different schools of thought—those of Brihaspati, Ushanas, Prachetasa Manu, 3 Parasara and Ambhi—are

the text has 150 chapters, 180 prakaranas and six thousand verses in all.

‘the King and his rule encapsulate all the constituents of the state’ {8.2.1}.

‘The king who attacks a righteous ruler will be hated by his own people and others. Conversely, one who attacks an unrighteous ruler will be liked by all.’ {7.3.12}

He shall adopt the way of life, dress, language and customs of the people and show the same devotion to the gods of territory and participate in the people’s festivals and amusements...He shall please the chiefs of the towns, country, castes and guilds...The ill, the helpless and the distressed shall be helped...The slaughter of animals shall be prohibited on specified days...’ Verses {13.5.3-15}