The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy, traditionally attributed to Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, the minister of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta. It deals with the duties of a king, the organization of government and the administration of justice, as well as taxation, spies, diplomacy and warfare. The text takes a pragmatic view of power, advising rulers on how to expand and protect their states, and it has been compared to Machiavelli's The Prince. The manuscript was rediscovered and published in the early twentieth century. Scholars debate its authorship and date, and many believe it was compiled over time, probably reaching its present form in the early centuries CE.
Before and after
- 304 BCEBirth of Ashoka
- from 4th century BCE to 5th centuryOrigins of Tanais
- 4th century BCEElements
- from 4th century BCE to 5th centuryXiongnu
- 4th century BCEPublication of Arthashastra
- from 4th century BCE to 4th centuryFounding of Library of Alexandria
- 4th century BCEOrigins of Paris
- 300 BCEFounding of Chankillo
- from 300 BCE to 1279Chola dynasty
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The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires.