KAUTILYA’S STATECRAFT

Submitted By
Mithil Sharma
PRN- 22010223139; Division E; 2022-2027
Symbiosis Law School, Noida
Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune

In
September, 2022

Under the Guidance of

Dr. Pooja Kapoor
(Course In Charge, History)
Symbiosis Law School, Noida
 TABLE OF CONTENT

S. NO. TOPIC PAGE NO.

1 OBJECTIVE 3
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3
3 ABSTRACT 3
4 INTROUCTION 4
5 KAUTILYA’S VIEW ON SATECRAFT 4
6 FRAMEWORK OF ARTHASHASTRA 4
7 ECONOMIC STRUCTURE OF STATE 5
8 STATE MACHINERY 5
9 THE SAPTANG THEORY 5
10 MANDALA CONCEPT 7
11 VILLAGE ADMINISTERATION 7
12 LAW AND JUSTICE 8
13 STATE OF RELATIONS 8
14 CONCLUSION 9
15 BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES 10
 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to understand the great Chanakya’s views on economy,
social, political and cultural aspects of the state and the structure and functions of public
administration encapsulated in Arthashastra. Understanding the depth of knowledge
provided and its effectiveness in the present times or even the times to come.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research methodology used in this project is secondary methodology, therefore
various internet sources were used for gathering facts and information and to get
inspiration for the topic “Kautilya’s Statecraft”.

ABSTRACT
One of the most important works on political science in the Indian Civilization is
Kautilya's Arthashastra, dating to fourth (4th) century B.C. Almost every aspect of
monarchical government is covered in this literature. Every being's mission in Indian
philosophy is the pursuit of dharma according to Arthashastra. To disassociate the
human race from its natural state, the human artefact of "state" was created. The state
gives its citizens the freedom to uphold their individual dharmas and to exercise their
property rights. Although King is not the only interpreter of the dharma, still he is seen as
its guardian. The secular power and spiritual power are distinct according to Arthashastra.
The state has a large number of independent organizations and societies under its control,
and the associated polycentric systems prevent the emergence of absolute authority.
Arthashastra also illustrates the massive bureaucratic structure, complex tax structure and
a defined intelligence system.

INTRODUCTION

Statecraft by Kautilya, famously known as Arthashastra is a treatise on the form and

duties of government administration as well as the political economy of the state. There
are 150 chapters, 180 divisions, and 6,000 shlokas included in the Arthashastra. The
Arthashastra is a guidebook for successful statecraft and politics. Kautilya, often referred
to as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was a legendary scholar whose work was instrumental in
the 4th century B.C. He played a very important role in overthrowing the Nanda dynasty
and establishing the Mauryan empire. He served as Chandragupta Maurya's prime
minister and advisor. The topic of "acquiring and preserving the earth" is addressed in the
Arthashastra. Thus, the science is concerned with acquiring and safeguarding the means
of subsistence. When creating the specifics of the Arthashastra, Kautilya had considered
events which had the capacity to change entire structure of thoughts and actions.
Therefore, the Arthashastra is considered relevant for even the upcoming generations. 1

KAUTILYA’S VIEW ON STATECRAFT:

According to Kautilya, the following four factors are crucial for the proper operation of
the entire state machinery:
Kautilya's Arthashastra, one of the most comprehensive books ever written on the subject
of statecraft and administration, makes the case that the state should hold authority over
every facet of a person's life. His comprehensive and detailed approach outlined a distinct
organizational structure. He successfully argued that unethical politics pose a threat to the
dynasty as a whole. All decisions regarding the state should be made in accordance with
dharma. 2

FRAMEWORK OF ARTHASHASTRA
Arthashastra is the Sanskrit term for the science of money, the earth, and politics (Artha).
This treatise is split up into sixteen books that cover almost every aspect of operating a
state, including taxation, legislation, politics, war tactics, economics, bureaucracy, and
more. The Arthashastra promotes a reasonable morality for managing state affairs. The
emphasis is on codifying the law and making it consistent across the territory. 3

1 “studocu.com, Kautilya Statecraft”

2 “yourarticlelibrary.com, Kautilya Views on Statecraft”
3 “dlc.dlib.indiana.edu, State and Statecraft in Kautilya’s Arthashastra”
 ECONOMIC STRUCTURE OF STATE
When it came to the division of labor and the ownership of property, the economic
structure seemed to be quite advanced. Both state ownership and the institution of private
property were present. Common resources like water and all remaining, abandoned, or
disputed but unresolved private property rights were taken by the state. Whatever
waterworks were constructed by the state or by private parties, the state owned the birds,
fish, and vegetables there. 4

STATE MACHINERY
The state machinery and its intrinsic parts can be broken down into further categories: -

THE SAPTANG THEORY:

According to Kautilya, a state is made up of seven different elements, including Swamin,
Amatya, Janapada, Durga- the fortress, Danda- the Army, Mitra and Kosha- the Treasury.
The Saptanga theory, which gained popularity in ancient India, encompasses all of this.
The king was referred to be a "Swamin" in ancient India because he was seen as an
essential and indispensable component of the polity. In every instance, the king was a
member of a royal and noble family that possessed both intellectual and emotional traits.
All of the government employees were referred to as Amatya, the minister. They have a
responsibility to make sure the government operates efficiently.

SWAMIN:
The most significant positions were to be filled by the monarch, who also served as the
head of the civil, judicial, and military administrations. The King or Swamin would set
forth the main parameters of governmental policy and defend the varnashramas based
social structure.

AMATYA:

4 “studocu.com, Kautilya Statecraft”

The king is in charge of a complex administrative system. Amatya represents the top
administrative officials who make up an inner cabinet. The two most significant
ministries are the Prime Minister and the High Priest.

JANAPADA:
This is used to describe people who reside on a country's territory.

DURGA:
Durga, which refers to "fort" in Sanskrit, is thought to be a crucial component.
Fortification of land borders was a widespread practice.

DANDA:
Danda was referring to the armed force’s role in defending the country and enforcing the
rule of law. According to Kautilya, it is the king's duty to ensure that his army is happy in
its position within the state.

MITRA:
Mitra refers to the friends or allies of the state. When there is an emergency, they should
be assisted. They should be faithful. Friends increase the state's power.

KOSHA:
Kautilya asserts that a ruler must collect wealth in order to improve the status of his
subjects and finance his army. A constant source of funding for the government should be
the state treasury. 5

MANDALA CONCEPT:
In the Mandala concept, the King and his State are the central element, surrounded by
circles of allies and enemies. This concept includes twelve monarchs, and he views them
as neighbors, as well as his enemies' friends and the neighbors of his foes. The states in
the next group are his pals. He also thinks that neighbors should always be respected
because they are both his neighbors and his opponents' neighbors. According to him, this
circle is dynamic, and the king should work to strengthen his core position and weaken
the influence of any outlying rulers. He also suggests forging partnerships with nations
far away. In order to create a balance of power, he also suggests forming agreements with
nations that are two degrees from the center.
In comparison to the structure we currently perceive, the Mandala notion is more
multipolar. 6

VILLAGE ADMINISTERATION:
According to Kautilya, there are five layers of the village administration: the Grama,
Sthamya, Dronamukha, and Kharvatika. A Gopa was appointed to oversee between 5–10
villages. There was Stanika above Gopa. There was Smaharta over four Stanikas. The
Gopas and the Stanikas are in charge of the urban government. Both of them worked
under Nagarikas. The elders of the village were given a particular seat in addition to the
aforementioned officials. They were given responsibility for managing the lands and
assets of the temples. In this post, there was no element of elections. 7

LAW AND JUSTICE:

5 “yourarticlelibrary.com, Kautilya Views on Statecraft”

6 “mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de, Kautilya”
7 “yourarticlelibrary.com, Kautilya Views on Statecraft”
In ancient Indian politics, the Dharma Shastra served as a guide for what constitutes
justice. When the sacred law and the law in effect disagree, the king is required to decide,
according to Kautilya. Kautilya was also a proponent of the rule of law. He thought a
ruler who followed the law would one day control the world. On the other hand, he will
definitely spend eternity in hell if he abuses his position of power.
According to Kautilya, judges should possess great moral character, temperance, and
equilibrium, as well as a thorough understanding of all the fundamental legal concepts. It
is his responsibility to get to understand the locals and become familiar with their
traditions in order to accurately analyze the scenario. The judge must also be fair and
impartial; they must not act in an unprofessional or rude manner. He must punish
criminals in line with the magnitude of their offences since he has a good heart and the
ability to make judgments. Having eyewitnesses was crucial to Kautilya. Any person who
is called to be an eyewitness to a crime needs to be of good moral character and protected
from harm. 8

STATE OF RELATIONS:
According to Kautilya, the two state's ties are the relation of a conflict, with the lion's
power prevails. Kautilya is a realist who sees interstate relations as a fight for dominance,
as a result. Realists believe that international politics and interstate relations are at war.
Nations are either engaged in conflict or preparing for conflict. Therefore, a state's only
option under such circumstances is power. Kautilya is a member of the "offensive
realism" school of thought. In contrast to defensive maximization, he favors power
maximization. Offense is the best defense in the eyes of offensive realists. 9

8 “studocu.com, Kautilya Views on Statecraft”

9 “polticsforindia.com, Arthashastra by Kautilya”
 CONCLUSION
To conclude, I would like to say that Arthashatra is a good manual for leadership
development, education and training. Foremost is its rich repertoire of the ‘science of
enquiry’ or how to think. It shows that intellectual honesty is derived from scientific
thinking. Its focus on warcraft is relevant today seeing the blurring changes in the
character of war where both use of military force with diplomacy overlap. Its most
unique contribution is the concept of a Mandala Theory which needs to be dynamically
applied to issues of politics, diplomacy, statecraft, and even business and management.
This theory is not just only ‘India-centric’ but has universal application.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES:

1. STUDOCU.COM
https://www.studocu.com/in/document/aligarh-muslim-university/political-thought-
ancient-and-medieval/kautilya-views-on-statecraft/21687281

2. YOURARTICLELIBRARY.COM
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/politics/kautilya-views-on-statecraft-4-issues-that-
are-part-of-entire-state-machinery/40141

3. DLC.DLIB.INDIANA.EDU
https://dlc.dlib.indiana.edu/dlc/bitstream/handle/10535/5647/State%20and%20statecraft
%20in%20kautilyas%20arthasastra.pdf

4. MPRA.UB.UNI-MUENCHEN.DE
https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/9962/1/MPRA_paper_9962.pdf

5. POLITICSFORINDIA.COM
https://politicsforindia.com/arthashastra-by-kautilya/