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Arthashastra

Arthashastra: The Ancient Indian Manual of Statecraft

Compiled by Kautilya in the 4th century BCE, Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on politics, economics, and warfare.

Key Concepts:

  • Rajadharma: The duties of a king, which include maintaining law and order, protecting the citizens, and upholding dharma.
  • Arthashastra: The art of acquiring and maintaining wealth, which is essential for the prosperity of the state.
  • Danda: The use of force and coercion to maintain control and discipline within the state.
  • Niti: The art of governance, which involves the use of diplomacy, strategy, and cunning to achieve one's goals.
  • Yuddha: The art of war, which involves the use of military strategy and tactics to achieve victory.

Key Principles:

  • Non-violence is a weakness: The use of force and coercion is necessary to maintain control and discipline within the state.
  • Deception is a necessary tool: The use of deception and cunning is necessary to achieve one's goals and maintain the state's interests.
  • The king is the ultimate authority: The king is the ultimate authority and is responsible for maintaining law and order within the state.
  • The state is the ultimate goal: The state is the ultimate goal and is responsible for the prosperity and well-being of its citizens.

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