{"id":111,"date":"2019-09-06T05:14:58","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T05:14:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/icp05.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/?post_type=chapter&p=111"},"modified":"2019-09-06T05:15:04","modified_gmt":"2019-09-06T05:15:04","slug":"arthasastra","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/icp05\/chapter\/arthasastra\/","title":{"rendered":"Artha\u015b\u0101stra"},"content":{"raw":"
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Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The book Artha\u015b\u0101stra<\/em> or Kau\u1e6dal\u012bya Artha\u015b\u0101stra<\/em> is a book dealing with Public Administration, Foreign Affairs and Military Strategies. It is also called Ch\u0101\u1e47akyas\u016btram.<\/em> Within the book Artha\u015b\u0101stra, the subject, is referred to as\u201cDa\u1e47\u1e0dan\u012bti\u201d.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

In the words of the author (1.1.1), the book has two purposes: \u092a\u0943\u0925\u093f\u0935\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0903\u0932\u092f\u092d\u093e\u0903 \u092a\u092f\u0932\u0928\u092e\u094d\u091a \u2013 obtaining a kingdom and ruling it. Artha\u015b\u0101stra is recognized as one of the eighteen Vidy\u0101sth\u0101nas(Vi\u1e63\u1e47upur\u0101\u1e47am 3.6.18, 19)<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Kau\u1e6dalya starts by saying that he is making a compendium of the various Artha\u015b\u0101stras already established by the earlier \u0100c\u0101ryas; accordingly, throughout the book, the views of other \u0100c\u0101ryas on a given topic are mentioned.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

While the book has been composed in the 4th century B. C., it has been \u201cdiscovered\u201d only in 1905, and published in Sanskrit in 1909 by R. Shamasastry based on a manuscript available in the Oriental Research Institute, Mysore.Later T. Ganapati Sastry published the Artha\u015b\u0101stra with his own Sanskrit commentary in three volumes, in 1924. While a few English translations and studies followed, the definitive edition of the book was brought out by R. P. Kangle in three volumes in 1960 (the Sanskrit Text), 1963 (English translation), and 1965 (his \u201cStudy\u201d on Artha\u015b\u0101stra). It is now usual to give references from Vol. 1 of Prof. R. P. Kangle\u2019s work.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

The book is divided into 15 Adhikara\u1e47as and each Adhikara\u1e47a is divided into 150 Adhy\u0101yas. There is also a division of the text into Prakara\u1e47as, with 180 Prakara\u1e47as in total. In each Adhy\u0101ya \/ Prakara\u1e47a, there are S\u016btras. Often the S\u016btra is a sentence, but sometimes it is in verse form (380 is the number of verses given by Kangle, p5. Vol. 2); sometimes the author quotes some verses. In Kangle\u2019s edition all the verses are given numbers in continuation with the S\u016btras. There are nearly 5,370 such S\u016btras in the edition of Kangle, though the text\u00a0itself says that there are 6,000\u015alokas (1.1.18). Da\u1e47\u1e0din in <\/span>Da\u015bakum\u0101racaritam<\/em>also mentions that \u0100c\u0101ryaVishnugupta has a compilation of 6,000 S\u016btras on Da\u1e47\u1e0dan\u012bti1.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The division of Adhikara\u1e47as into Adhy\u0101yas is somewhat unusual in Sanskrit literature, where it is more common for a book to be divided into Adhy\u0101yas and then each Adhy\u0101ya being divided into Adhikara\u1e47as. The M\u012bm\u0101ms\u0101s\u016btras are one example. The first 96 Adhy\u0101yas deal with administration of the Kingdom; the next 53 Adhy\u0101yas deal with relationships with external kings; and the last one defines and illustrates 32Tantrayuktis, i.e. the means of obtaining knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The author is Kau\u1e6dalya, also known as Ch\u0101\u1e47akya or Vishnugupta. Some refer to the author as Kau\u1e6dilya, but following T. Ganapati Sastry, the formKau\u1e6dalyais used here. Kau\u1e6dalya or Ch\u0101\u1e47akyais the wise minister who helped Chandragupta Maurya to conquer the Kingdom from Nandas. This is attested to by the text itself:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u092f\u0947\u0928\u0936\u092f\u0938\u094d\u0924\u094d\u0930\u0902\u091a \u0936\u0938\u094d\u0924\u094d\u0930\u0902\u091a \u0928\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0930\u092f\u091c\u0917\u0924\u092f \u091a \u092d \u093e\u0903\u0964\u00a0<\/span>\u0905\u092e\u0930\u094d\u0937\u0947\u0923\u094b\u0926\u094d\u0927\u0943\u0924\u092f\u0928\u094d\u092f\u092f\u0936\u0941\u0924\u0947\u0928\u0936\u092f\u0938\u094d\u0924\u094d\u0930\u0925\u092e\u0926\u0902\u0915\u0943 \u0924\u092e\u094d\u096515.1.73\u0965<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

(This \u015a\u0101stra has been compiled by the one who regenerated the \u015a\u0101stra, prepared the necessary weapon and rescued the Kingdom lost to Nandas).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The story of Ch\u0101\u1e47akya and Chandragupta Maurya is the subject matter of the play <\/span>Mudr\u0101r\u0101k\u1e63asam<\/em>authored by Vi\u015b\u0101khadatta. The name Ch\u0101\u1e47akya is also appended to a work on N\u012bti calledCh\u0101\u1e47akyan\u012bti, which occurs in various forms. The main difference between the two works is that whereas the Artha\u015b\u0101stra is meant for Kings and royal officers, the N\u012bti\u015b\u0101stram is relevant to the general public as a whole. In the present context, we limit ourselves to the Artha\u015b\u0101stra.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Mention must also be made of the Tamil book <\/span>Tirukku\u1e5ba\u1e37<\/em>(a book of three parts), whose second part seems to follow the Artha\u015b\u0101stra very closely, especially in giving the names and functions of the seven Prak\u1e5btis.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

2.<\/strong>Contents of the Book 2.1 Overview of the Work.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The first part of the book, consisting of five Adhikara\u1e47as deals with the five topics of i) Training of the Prince, ii) Administration of the State, iii) Civil litigation procedure and law dealing with civil matters, iv) Criminal law, and v) Miscellaneous matters of State conducted in private. In this there is a fair amount of overlap with works of Dharma\u015b\u0101stra in (iii) and (iv) above. The matter dealt with in (ii) above is unique to the work, while some matters in (i) and (v) are touched upon by other works, mostly indirectly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The second part of the book in nine Adhikara\u1e47a deals with foreign relations and contains the famous Ma\u1e47\u1e0dala theory of Kau\u1e6dalya. This system, described briefly in a later section below, is set out in the first Adhikara\u1e47a, followed by the six measures of Foreign Policy, known as \u1e62\u0101\u1e0dgu\u1e47ya. The next Adhikara\u1e47a describes calamities to the seven elements, Prak\u1e5btis. Though these concepts are mentioned in other texts like Mahabharata and Dharma\u015b\u0101stra, Artha\u015b\u0101stra is the main source of these concepts, as they are discussed at length in one<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

This occurs in the story of Vi\u015bruta in the eight Ucchv\u0101sa, p. 183 of <\/span>Da\u015bakum\u0101racaritam<\/em>edited by H. H. Wilson and published in 1846.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

place. Four of the next fiveAdhikara\u1e47asdeal elaborately with war and military strategies. In the midst of this is an Adhikara\u1e47a dealing with Sa\u1e45ghas, Principalities. The last Adhikara\u1e47a in the second part deals with secret rites that are conducted to bring harm to the enemy and those that are used to protect the King and the Prak\u1e5btis from such action.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The fifteenth Adhikara\u1e47a stands by itself, dealing as it does with the 32 means of obtaining knowledge, called Tantrayuktis. These are very similar to Tantrayuktis mentioned in texts on \u0100yurveda.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

A summary of the contents of the book is given in a tabular form below.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n

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In the following sections some of the contents of the book are presented briefly.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

2.2 Training of the Prince<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Ch\u0101\u1e47akya holds Vedas in the highest regard possible. Some of the S\u016btras are given below.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Veda lays down the Dharma of people and is therefore most useful (1.3.4)<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Non-violence (Ahi\u1e43s\u0101) towards all, truth (Satyam), purity (\u015aaucam), non-spitefulness (Anas\u016bya), kindness (An\u1e5b\u015ba\u1e43syam) and forbearance (K\u1e63am\u0101) are the Dharmas common to all (1.3.13)<\/p>\r\n \r\n

The king shall not allow people to deviate from their duty (Dharma) (1.3.16)<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Artha\u015b\u0101stra deals concerns itself with how morals are to be upheld. In the first Adhikara\u1e47a, Kau\u1e6dalya also introduces \u201cMatsyany\u0101ya\u201d, the \u201cmaxim of fish\u201d which alludes to the fact that a big fish will swallow smaller fish, and says that if the rod [of the King] is not used, anarchy (Matsyany\u0101ya) will prevail (1.4.12).<\/p>\r\n \r\n

The first Adhikara\u1e47a has many other interesting aspects as well. There is a chapter (1.6) devoted to the restraint of the sense organs. The method of instruction is very interesting: by giving the stories of various instances where kings like Bhoja, Kar\u0101la, Janamejaya, T\u0101laja\u1e45gha, Aila, Aj\u0101bindu, Ravana, Duryodhana, K\u0101rtav\u012bry\u0101rjuna andV\u0101t\u0101piwithout control on sense organs lost out. The one with such constraint is called the R\u0101jar\u1e63iand it is kings such as these who form the heroes of works of later poets such as Kalidasa.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Then, a list of desirable qualities of the officers of civil service (Am\u0101tyasampat) is described. Kau\u1e6dalya prescribed a meritocracy where eligible people are selected to the civil service after due testing (1.8.26). Of special interest is the chapter (1.10) on testing the character of the civil servants. A list of active tests are prescribed with elaborate schemes to make them credible to the person being tested.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Remaining part of the Adhikara\u1e47a deals at great length the secret service, cabinet meetings, foreign service, protection of princes and the Anta\u1e25pura (the King\u2019s residence and quarters for the Queens). Further detailed advice is offered on the duties of a King (1.19) wherein an ideal time-table for a King is laid down. There, Ch\u0101\u1e47akya says (1.19.34)<\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u092a\u094d\u0930\u091c\u092f\u0938\u0941\u0916\u0947\u0938\u0941\u0916\u0902\u0930\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u093e\u0903 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u091c\u092f\u0928\u092f\u0902\u091a \u0925\u093f\u0924\u0947\u0925\u093f\u0924\u092e\u094d\u0964 \u0928\u092f\u0924\u094d\u092e\u0925\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u0902\u0925\u093f\u0924\u0902\u0930\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u093e\u0903 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u091c\u092f\u0928\u092f\u0902\u0924\u0941\u0925\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u0902\u0925\u093f\u0924\u092e\u094d\u0965<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Happiness of the King lies in the happiness of people and his welfare in theirs. That which is dear to him (the King) is not what is beneficial to him; rather that which is dear to the people is beneficial to the King.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

2.3 Administration of the State<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

This is the largest Adhikara\u1e47a of the book and a detailed account of the same is beyond the present scope. It starts with a chapter on formation of villages with a hundred to five hundred families, followed by a chapter on division of land, with special emphasis on elephants. Then the guidelines for the construction of forts are given, followed by description of roads and various demarcated areas within the fort.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

From the fifth chapter, the duties of various Government Officers are discussed, starting with the Sannidh\u0101ta, who seems to be the officer in charge of the treasury of the king. Next are described the duties of Sam\u0101hart\u0101, the officer in charge of Revenue for the Government. Six sources of revenue are identified: fort, country-side, irrigation works, forests, cattle and trade routes. In the seventh chapter, the duties of the Officer in charge of accounts and record-keeping are described. From this chapter it is clear the Accounts Officers are held responsible for loss of revenue (2.7.11 to 2.7.15) and fined a multiple of the revenue loss caused. The eighth chapter deals with the topic of embezzlement and on recovery of the same. Forty ways of embezzlement are enumerated in 2.8.21. Then, in the ninth chapter the need to check the work of Government Superintendents is stated. Kau\u1e6dalya treats embezzlement as something that cannot be avoided like tasting honey on ones tongue (2.9.32), and very difficult to detect, like the drinking of water by a fish (2.9.33).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

This recognition informs the extreme caution with which the subject of embezzlement to be treated. The next chapter deals with the drafting of Royal Edicts (\u015a\u0101sana). In this chapter there are certain observations on words, sentences etc. which show a familiarity with both Nirukta and the grammar of Sanskrit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

In the tenth chapter, the four Up\u0101yas (devices to achieve a goal) of S\u0101ma (conciliation or persuasion), Upaprad\u0101na (popular as D\u0101na, giving gifts etc.), Bheda (creation of doubt and threatening) and Da\u1e47\u1e0da (use of force) are discussed at some length. Of these S\u0101ma and D\u0101na are also mentioned once again at 9.5.9-11; D\u0101na is mentioned once more at 9.6.24 in the context of foreign policy. These four Up\u0101yas are very popular with the general public and remain the frame-work within which one tries to obtain one\u2019s object of desire, in that order.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The eleventh chapter deals with examination of gems and fine textiles received into the treasury, describing them, giving their names and places of origin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Rest of the chapters in the Adhikara\u1e47a deal with\u00a0<\/span>mines\u00a0<\/span>goldsmithy trade in gold\u00a0<\/span>Superintendent of Granary Supt. of Commerce\u00a0<\/span>forest produce armoury\u00a0<\/span>weights and measure\u00a0<\/span>measurements of space and time\u00a0<\/span>Superintendent of Tolls regulation of toll-dues Supt. of Weavers\u00a0<\/span>Supt. of Agriculture Supt. of Liquor\u00a0<\/span>slaughter house courtesans\u00a0shipping\u00a0Supt. of chariots etc.\u00a0cattle\u00a0Supt. of Passports\u00a0horse\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0administration of country-side\u00a0elephants\u00a0 \u00a0commissioner of City\u00a0<\/span>training of elephants<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

In the last two chapters, we see that taking a census is recommended; what is also visible is the seed of the Revenue system still followed in India, with its Record of Rights, Harvest Register etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

In many trades and practices, there is continuity seen over two thousand years. This is the first text on Administration of State and is invaluable to the students of India\u2019s history, especially of its administration system.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

2.4 The Ma\u1e47\u1e0dala Theory<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

In the Sixth Adhikara\u1e47a, after discussing the elements of State (the seven Prak\u1e5btis), the Ma\u1e47\u1e0dala Theory is taken up. The basis of this theory is that a King should always look to expand. This is not specifically stated in the Artha\u015b\u0101stra but we can get the idea from contemporaneous literature. A popular verse from Ch\u0101\u1e47akyan\u012btiis quoted2 as having the following hemistich:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u0905\u0938\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0937\u094d\u091f\u092f\u0925\u093f\u091c\u092f \u0928\u0937\u094d\u091f\u092f\u093e\u0903 \u0938\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0937\u094d\u091f\u092f\u0936\u094d\u091a\u092e\u093f\u0940\u092d\u0941\u091c\u093e\u0903\u0964<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

(Brahmins who are not contended are destroyed; so are Kings who are contended).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Since a King is never to be contended, he should always expand when an opportunity presents itself. Then the immediate targets would be the neighbouring kings, who are termed as enemies; their neighbours would be allies; beyond them the allies of the enemy; beyond them allies of the allies; beyond them the allies of the allies of enemy and so on (6.2.14, 15, 18).This can be pictorially represented as shown below. In the below diagram, the would-be-conqueror is the Vijig\u012b\u1e63u, shown in grey; enemies are shown in red; allies in blue; and neutral parties in orange. Though Kau\u1e6dalya does not explicitly talk of neutral Kingdoms, Prof.Kangle\u2019s opines that not all neighbours are to be treated as enemies.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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