Arthashastra is an ancient Indian political treatise written by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, around the 3rd century BCE. The text is divided into 15 books and covers a wide range of topics such as statecraft, economics, law, warfare, and diplomacy.
The primary purpose of the Arthashastra is to provide guidance to a king or ruler on how to govern his kingdom and maintain his power. It advocates for the use of force when necessary and the establishment of a strong central government with an efficient administrative system. It also emphasizes the importance of economic prosperity, agriculture, and trade for the welfare of the state.
The Arthashastra has been considered one of the most important works of ancient Indian literature and has had a significant influence on Indian political thought and administration. It provides valuable insights into the political and social structures of ancient India and the principles of governance that were practised at that time.
Today, the Arthashastra is studied by scholars and students of political science, economics, and history. It has also been the subject of much debate and controversy due to its sometimes controversial views on governance and the use of power.
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