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Kautilya

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was a significant figure in Indian political science and economics, credited with the success of the Mauryan Empire. He proposed a monarchial form of government based on knowledge, outlining the Saptanga theory which identifies seven essential elements of the state. His work, Arthashastra, emphasizes the importance of ethics in politics and the role of the king in maintaining law and order for the welfare of the people.

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29 views8 pages

Kautilya

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was a significant figure in Indian political science and economics, credited with the success of the Mauryan Empire. He proposed a monarchial form of government based on knowledge, outlining the Saptanga theory which identifies seven essential elements of the state. His work, Arthashastra, emphasizes the importance of ethics in politics and the role of the king in maintaining law and order for the welfare of the people.

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samuel.kuruvilla
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KAUTILYA: 7 ELEMENTS OF STATE

WHO WAS KAUTILYA?

• His original name was Vishnugupta.

• He was also known as CHANAKYA (Son of Chanaka).

• He is considered as the pioneer in the fields of Political Science and


Economics in India.

• He is credited with the success of the Mauryan Empire.

• Two books are attributed to Chanakya: Arthshastra and Chanakya Niti,


also known as Chanakya Neeti-shastra.
HIS CONCEPT OF STATE

• He has considered only the Monarchial form of government in a state.

• He believed that knowledge is the basis of Government.

• Further knowledge is classified into 4 categories:


1. Avikasi
2. Trayi
3. Vartta
4. Danda
ISSUES THAT ARE PART OF STATE MACHINERY

• He believed that politics devoid of ethics is dangerous to the prosperity and security of
the kingdom.

• Dharma should be the guiding factor in his view.

• He gave certain issues that are part of entire state machinery:

1. The Saptanga theory

2. King and Council of Ministers

3. Village administration

4. Law and Justice


THE SAPTANGA THEORY

• According to him state is the combined form of 7 elements or organs (Angas).


• These 7 elements are-
(i) Swami (The Ruler)
(ii) Amatya (The Minister)
(ii) Janapada (The Population)
(iv) Durga (The Fortified Capital)
(v) Kosha (The Treasury)
(vi) Danda (The Army)
(vii) Mitra (Ally and Friend)
KAUTILYA: INDIAN MACHIAVELLI

• Kautilya is often called Indian Machiavelli.

• Preservation of the state and common good were their main motives and in order to
achieve them nothing seemed too immoral to both of them.

• They both had their own set of moral principles similar to each other.

• Though their theories are very similar still their exists some differences between
them.
• The Arthashastra is a primeval Indian discourse on statecraft,
economic policy and military strategy. Kautilya's Arthasashtra
is magnificent work on ancient political thought which was
undoubtedly composed between 3rd-2nd Century B.C. In his
political and administrative ideas, the focus of attention was
the king. According to his beliefs, for the smooth functioning of
administration and for the welfare of the people, the king had
to be acquainted in the four Vedas and four sciences of
government. Kautilya's administrative and judicial structure
was hierarchical in nature. As for impartiality, he emphasised
on the principal of equity and immediacy. As for law and order,
he believed that law was an imperial command enforced by
sanctions. Dissimilar many other authors in the community,
Kautilya is exceptional Indian political philosopher who was
both thinker and statesman. He contributed in various social
and political revolutions of his Age. With more and more
studies in the field of politics and economics and with a
modern outlook and understanding of world affairs, the

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