
SKF-DE-1012 Basic Principles of Arthashastra
The Artha Shastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, traditionally attributed to Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta), who was an advisor and prime minister to the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta.
The Artha Shastra is divided into 15 adhikaraṇas, comprising topics ranging from how to conduct warfare, espionage, and diplomacy to economic policies, administration, and welfare. It reflects a comprehensive approach to governing a kingdom, with a detailed analysis of the various elements that constitute a state. It also discusses legal frameworks, urban and rural management, trade and markets, and strategies for managing internal and external threats.