Philosophy of Kautilya: A Critical Study of Arthasastra

Dr Gantepaka Srinu

Abstract: Kautilya, being an Acharya or a revered teacher of King Chandragupta was directly involved in statecraft as the king always sought his advice. 'Kautilya' produced the unparalleled treatise named Arthasastra.In Arthasastra, happiness or welfare should be the prime objective of State policy. Much before the Europeans could give due credence to earlier literary documents such as the 'Vedas', they recognized the Arthasastra as the primary record of objective facts. Kautilya's discussions of war and diplomacy and yet, his analyses are fascinating and far-reaching. His view of women as weapons of war, his use of religion and superstition to bolster his troops and demoralize enemy soldiers, his employment of the spread of disinformation, and his humane treatment of conquered soldiers and subjects is highly commendable. In Arthasastra the dominant emphasis is on monarchical centralization and it is a compendium of rules of behavior of the people in the society and in the state. Kautilya cautiously made a revolution in warfare, relying not quite as much on the warrior class of Kshatriyas. Kautilya's praise of ordinary men from the lower two varnas was unusual in the ancient world Kautilya stated that other sects ought to be duly honoured in every case love of the family; Kautilya said he was promoting dharma for the common good of the world and stated plainly that he put forth the doctrine of dharma for happiness in the next world. According to Kautilya, king is the fountain source of all Government's authority King in extraordinary circumstances has right to implement law as per state need. In Arthasastra there are details of goods, industrial products, their prices, standards of weights and the agricultural basis of the state has been considered the real backbone of the state economy. Kautilya has given a more detailed laws relating to marriage, ownership of property, laws of trade and commerce etc. as civil law and a detailed lists of criminal crimes and their concerning criminal law.

Keywords: Statecraft, war and diplomacy, his view of women as weapons of war, compendium of rules of behavior of the people, revolution in warfare, promotion of dharma, Yogakshema, Kantakashodhana

Edition: Volume 10 Issue 7, July 2021,

Pages: 1296 - 1298