Chanakya - the Epitome of Thought in 4th Century BCE

Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian scholar, philosopher, teacher, and statesman who lived during the 4th century BCE. He is best known for his contributions to political thought and his role as the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, one of the most prominent and influential empires in ancient India.

I am amazed whenever I read about ancient Indian scholars and the topics they wrote about. Chanakya’s work has incredible relevance to today, and in fact, with many of his writings, we may be better off going back to them to reinvent many of our institutions that seem to be failing us today.

Chanakya is believed to have been born in the ancient city of Taxila (present-day Pakistan) and became a scholar from a young age. He is said to have studied and taught at the renowned Taxila University, which has its own incredible history as a center of learning for a broad array of topics.

Chanakya is best known for his treatise on statecraft and politics called the "Arthashastra." This ancient Indian text is a comprehensive guide to governance, diplomacy, economics, and military strategy. It provides insights into statecraft, ethics, and the art of ruling. It also includes detailed discussions on economic policies, taxation, trade, and public finance. Chanakya advocated for efficient taxation systems and the importance of economic prosperity in maintaining a strong state. His teachings have had a profound and enduring influence on the field of political science today.

Apart from the "Arthashastra," Chanakya is also credited with the compilation of the "Chanakya Niti" or "Chanakya Sutras." These aphorisms contain guidance on various aspects of moral life, decision making and relationships. Chanakya believed that ethical behavior was crucial for personal well-being and the stability of society. The sutras touch upon economic principles, such as the importance of wealth and its ethical acquisition, managing finances wisely, and understanding the value of resources. I feel the ethical acquisition of wealth is an idea that was lost somewhere during the Industrial Revolution. This makes me wonder how after so much development and technology, what wisdom have we really gained?