Kautilya and his arthashastra

Kautilya's Arthashastra has alw been an enigma to the schola both from India and the wes Ancient Indian writers and moder Indologists have both eulogised and denounced it. But the fact remains that although this ancient masterpiece is several centuries old, many of the views expressed in it are true even today. Anyone interested in ancient Indian achievements cannot afford to neglect Kautilya's Arthashastra.

The book deals with some important aspects of Kautilya's life and thought. His views on the origin, nature and functions of the state, duties and qualifications of the king, law and administration and interstate relations are sub jected to a critical analysis. The book highlights Kautilya's contri bution in the fields of political thought and public administration.

The book also clears many misconceptions about Kautilya. Although he advised Chandra gupta to adopt all possible means to expand his kingdom and conso lidate his position, a study of Kautilya's life shows that this master of statecraft was morally upright in his private life, and that his one aim in life was to sec India united and integrated.

The book also makes a com parative study Kautilya and eminent westere and Indian thinkers Aristot Machiavelli. Manu and Shukra. At the end is discussed the relvance of Kau tilya in modern mes.