The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It was written by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, a scholar and advisor to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta. The Arthashastra is considered one of the most important works in Indian political literature, providing valuable insights into the workings of the ancient Indian state.



The authorship of the Arthashastra is attributed to Kautilya, who was a minister and advisor to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta (ruled c. 321–297 BCE). Kautilya is also known by the name Chanakya, which is derived from his birthplace, Chanakya in modern-day Bihar, India. Kautilya is believed to have written the Arthashastra sometime between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, although the exact date is uncertain.



The Arthashastra is divided into 15 books, each of which deals with a different aspect of statecraft, governance, and economics. The text covers a wide range of topics, including:

- Political organization and administration
- Law and justice
- Taxation and revenue collection
- Diplomacy and foreign policy
- Military strategy and warfare
- Economic policy and regulation

The text is notable for its practical and pragmatic approach to governance, emphasizing the need for a strong and efficient state, the importance of effective taxation and revenue collection, and the use of force when necessary to protect the state's interests.



The Arthashastra has had a significant impact on Indian political and economic thought, and its influence can be seen in subsequent works on statecraft and governance. The text has also been studied by scholars in other fields, including economics, sociology, and history.

Today, the Arthashastra remains an important source of information about ancient Indian political and economic systems, and its insights continue to be relevant to contemporary discussions of governance and public policy.

Arthashastra was written by Kautilya or Chanakya