Arthashastra is a classic ancient encyclopedia of different aspects of running a kingdom. It is still relevant with its in-depth insights and futuristic vision for human nature.
What is Arthashastra?
As per today’s prevailing interpretation of the name ‘Arthashastra’ – it broadly means Economics. The word ‘Arth’ means ‘Material Gains’ and ‘Shastra’ means ‘Science. However, the real Arthashastra dwells upon much larger ecosystem and includes subjects such as Politics, Administration, Military Affairs, Diplomacy, Statecraft, and Management. It is believed to be created by Indian scholar Chanakya around 200 to 300 BCE. It is significantly different from the Chanakya Niti because Chanakya Niti focused on the human principles and progress of a person as an individual – from a socio-political perspective. Arthashastra is focused on the progress of an organization or a kingdom, from multiple perspectives.
The compendium of Arthashastra is believed to be spanning across a set of 15 volumes, with a total of 150 chapters, 180 topics, and 6000 verses.
Volume 1: Concerning discipline
It explains the life of a king and various aspects/ departments of running a kingdom. It also lists out the titles and chapters of all the 15 volumes as an Index of Arthashastra.
Volume 2: The duties of a government superintendent
It describes the various levels of hierarchy in the government administration. It also enlists the various aspects which need scrutiny and audit by the administration.
Volume 3: Concerning law
It specifically focuses on the constitutional & legal framework, as well as the different layers of the system for delivering justice to the people.
Volume 4: The removal of thorns
It covers the various types of social issues that need to be resolved by the constitutional system. It also stipulates various degrees of punishments for offenses.
Volume 5: The conduct of courtiers
It mainly addresses the discipline and loyalty to the state in the court of the king. It identifies how powerful courtiers should be kept in line with the sovereign objectives.
Volume 6: The source of sovereign states
It carefully defines the concept of a sovereign state and the relationships with other sovereign states. Overall, it puts emphasis on the efforts to ensure peace.
Volume 7: The end of the six-fold policy
It identifies the need for diplomacy and various aspects of foreign affairs. It also dwells upon the different sovereign systems and values that prevail.
Volume 8: Concerning vices and calamities
It focuses on the potential problems that might grapple a kingdom and ways to prevent them from happening. It also covers the response to natural calamities.
Volume 9: The work of an invader
It explains in-depth – the incident of an invasion. It gives an insight into the thought process and strategy of an invader as well as the one who is invaded.
Volume 10: Relating to war
It describes the process of going to war and the kind of resources it would require. It also enlists various war games and mind games with the enemy.
Volume 11: The conduct of corporations
It is related to the rights and duties of corporations with regard to the state as well as the people. It also covers the possibility of dissents & punishments.
Volume 12: Concerning a powerful enemy
It encompasses the official as well as unofficial means to negotiate with a powerful enemy. It also discusses covert operations to ensure victory.
Volume 13: Strategic means to capture a fortress
It specifically discusses the technicalities of winning over the enemy fortress. It also discusses espionage operations within enemy fortresses.
Volume 14: Secret Means
This chapter is considered to be of secretive texts that are not disclosed to everyone – from secret weapons to secret health treatments.
Volume 15: The plan of a treatise
This last chapter explains the correct interpretation of the entire text. It also denotes various other treatise on the similar subjects which have inspired Chanakya.
