The Arthashastra: Collectible Edition (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780143477532)

An extraordinarily detailed manual on statecraft and the science of living by one of classical India's greatest minds, Arthashastra is attributed to Kautilya--also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta. Though its exact date remains uncertain, it is believed to have been written no later than 150 AD. Tradition holds that Kautilya was either a Brahmin from Kerala or from North India, but it is certain that he played a pivotal role in overthrowing the Nanda dynasty and installing Chandragupta Maurya as the king of Magadha.

A master strategist, deeply versed in the Vedas and skilled in political intrigue, Kautilya's brilliance is reflected in this comprehensive treatise on governance. The Arthashastra is widely regarded as one of the most significant works on statecraft from the classical period.

The text comprises fifteen books covering a vast range of subjects, including kingship, law, foreign policy, espionage, and even secret and occult practices. While primarily written in prose, it also incorporates around 380 shlokas.

The term artha, often translated as "wealth," is one of the four primary aims of life in Hindu philosophy. However, its meaning extends far beyond material prosperity. In line with this broader interpretation, the Arthashastra emphasizes the crucial role of the state in ensuring the well-being of both the nation and its people. As such, a significant portion of the work is devoted to economic thought, while its political discourse offers a detailed account of governance, law and order, and the functioning of an efficient administrative system.