International Journal of Sanskrit Research 2020; 6(2): 175-178

Corresponding Author:
Kakali Roy Chowdhury
Research Scholar,
ISSN: Dept. of Cultural Studies, Jain University,
2394- Bangalore, Karnataka, India
7519
IJSR
2020;
6(2):
175-178
© 2020
IJSR
www.ana
ntaajourn
al.com
Received
: 26-01-
2020
Accepted
: 29-02-
2020

Kakali
Roy
Anvikshiki in
Chowdhu
ry
Arthashastra:
Research
Scholar,
Kautilyan
Dept. of
Cultural
perspective of
Studies,
Jain
economy and
University
,
philosophy
Bangalore,
Karnataka,
India Kakali Roy Chowdhury
Abstract
This paper aims to discuss Kautilya’s
perspective of Anvikshiki in the
context of Statecraft. The effort has
been taken here to understand
Kautilyan way of justifying the
purpose of Anvikshiki in running state
affairs. In general, the term Anvikshiki
means Metaphysics or Logical
Philosophy and Kautilya justified the
addition of the same in the study of
statecraft.

Key words: Anvikshiki, 3 branches of

knowledge, Arthashastra, Kautilya,
Economy, Philosophy

Methodology
This article is analytical qualitative
and exploratory by nature. Primary
data for this work has been
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International Journal of Sanskrit Research http://www.anantaajournal.com

collecte Indian tradition. Both the

d from Orthodox and Heterodox schools
ancient of Philosophy have had immense
texts influence on the socio-cultural
like environment of ancient India. As it
Arthash is observed, Vedic or Orthodox
astra Hindu Philosophy was in every
and sphere of life, starting from
other articulating the laws that the king
texts of used to make for his judicial
Dharma system to the narration of story
shastra. collections like Panchatantra.
Seconda Precisely both Orthodox and
ry data Heterodox philosophies are
has been inseparable parts of Indian life.
collecte Thus, it won’t be an exaggeration
d from, to the fact to say that, philosophy
various and Indian civilization have
books, adopted each other. Kautilya
online (c.350-275 BCE) was a visionary
articles Prime Minister, founder of
and Mauryan dynasty, an economist, a
database diplomat and most importantly a
. The man of Realism [1] who composed
data Arthashastra and enabled King
used Chandragupta Maurya (reign c.
here is 324 or 321- c. 297 BCE) [2] to
multi- create a huge kingdom and
dimensi brought almost all smaller
onally kingdoms under one sovereignty.
interpret Kautilya’s Arthashastra is a hugely
ed. popularized treatise that talks
Collecti about the science of economics
on of and at the same time combines the
informat study and practice of Anvikshiki
ion and Arthaneeti in Arthashastra.
through
review Discussion
of What is Anvikshiki –
Arthash The term ‘Anvikshiki’ [3] is
astra traditionally meant Logical
and Philosophy and Metaphysics.
interpret Anvikshiki, the word is originated
ing the from the root verb Iksh. The verb
classical Iksh not only means ‘to see’, it
thoughts also conveys; perceive, observe,
went regard, consider, think, reflect and
simultan investigate. Bhagavadgita explains
eously. the root iksh as,
“Sarvabhutasthamatmaanam….iks
Introdu hate yogayuktatma|” [4] here the
ction vision is about perceiving Atman
The in all existing entities. In
study of SiddhantaKaumudi the root iksh
Vedic has been used in a different way,
text, for example, ‘Krishnaaya ikshate
Puranas Gargah’, here the verb ‘Ikshate’ is
and used in the sense of ‘looking after’
other or ‘taking care’. Apte explains it as
classical follows, shubhaashubha
literary paryalochayati [5]. Thus, the
works is meaning of the verb ‘iksh’ can be
an expanded much further than just
essential ‘Seeing’. Anu-ikshana can be
part of taken in the sense, ‘A minute
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International Journal of Sanskrit Research http://www.anantaajournal.com

search self)’. ‘The search within the self’

(within can be interpreted or considered in
the many
ways. As we have The scope of
mentioned before, adaptation of
Anvikshiki refers Atmavidya as a part of
Metaphysics. the study of
Although the term Arthashastra has been
‘Metaphysics’ have vividly explained by
been explained in Kautilya.
various senses and In his treatise,
aspects by both Kautilya referred the
Eastern and Western opinions of his
philosophers of preceding scholars and
various times. Dharmashastravids
Metaphysics generally regarding the branches
means the relation of of knowledge but
mind and body; for lastly concluded the
example, the freedom discussion with his
of will or personal opinion saying that,
identity across time [6].
Thus, Metaphysics is “Anvikshiki
related to observation trayee varta
through inner soul or dandaneetish
Antaraatma and it cheti vidyah”
[10]
denotes Atmavidya or |
the knowledge of
[7]
Atman (Soul) . The sentence reads,
Kamandakiya Nitisara Anvikshiki along with
[8]
has explained it Trayee (3 Vedas),
explicitly saying, Varta (agriculture and
industry) and Danda
“Anvikshyat Neeti (law and order)
mavidya completes the core of
syaadkshnaat the four branches of
sukhadukhay knowledge. We will
oh | discuss this in more
Ikshamanosta elaborative matter
ya tatvam contextually.
harshashokau
vyudasyati ||” What is Arthashastra –
Kautilya has started
The statement his book with a very
explains thus, significant statement
“Anvikshiki is the that says,
science of spiritual
knowledge, for it “Prithivyaa
investigates the nature laabhe
of weal and woe of paalane cha
mankind, through its yvantyarthas
assistance the real hastrani
nature of things being poorvachaary
seen persons aihih
renounce, both joy and prasthaapitaa
[9]
grief” . The ni
knowledge of praayashstaa
Anvikshiki is about the ni
well-being of human sanhrityaika
life and by gaining midamrthash
this knowledge, astram kritam
happiness can be ||”
achieved, while grief
may follow when the The sentence reads,
knowledge is lost. ‘To achieve the wealth
that has yet not
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International Journal of Sanskrit Research
achieved and to
maintain the wealth
that has been
achieved, the older
texts on the same
subjects has been
referred and an
abstract compilation
has been written.’ [11]
Moreover,
“Manushyanaam
Vritirartha
Manushyavati
bhumirarthah | been referred in a
Tasyaah prithivyaa
labhapalanopayah
shastramarthashastram
iti |” [12]
The sloka conveys the
meaning of
Arthashastra in a
simple manner saying,
the profession of
common people is
Artha. The land
related to the
profession of people is
called Artha, so the
scripture that teaches
about the procedures
of getting land (as
wealth) and
maintaining the same
is known as
Arthashastra. Kautilya
Arthashastra is a book
of statecraft, that
emphasized Artha
Neeti which is
generally known as
the Science of
Economics, although
Arthashastra is having
a multi-dimensional
analysis of socio-
cultural-economical
standard of a state.
Artha as manifested
by Kautilya is one of
the 3 pursuits
(Dharma, Artha and
Kama) of Moksha and
signifies much more
than only ‘wealth’,
where material
wellbeing is just a part
of this study.
Kautilyan perspective
of Artha is much
broader in sense and
deeper in connotation.
Kangle contends about
Kautilya’s intension in
conveying the essence
of the term Artha as
http://www.anantaajournal.com
‘sources of livelihood’
[13]
. Sources of
livelihood involves
achievement,
protection and
increment of wealth
for common people
and state, which can
bring into happiness.
Achievement of
happiness and
| prosperity in a
positive manner has
compact term,
‘Yogakshemasadhana
m’ [14]. Arthashastra
discusses about
prosperous livelihood
for individual as well
as for society and
administrative system.
Kautilya combined
Anvikshiki and Artha
Neeti in Arthashastra.
At the very beginning
of his treatise Kautilya
have mentioned
Anvikshiki or Logical
Philosophy as an
inseparable part of the
study of common
human life since it
deals with the
peripheral knowledge
and at the same time
holds a deep
understanding of the
ethical aspect of life.
Apparently, this great
Economist tried to
bring philosophy into
the study of statecraft
for keeping the
standard of common
life as well-structured
as possible. He says in
Vinayadhikaranam
that,
“Samkhyam
yogo lokayatam
chetyanvikshiki” [15]
Anvikshiki or the
knowledge of
metaphysical world, is
a combination of
Samkhya [16], Yoga [17]
and Lokaayata [18]
Darshana. Out of the 6
schools of Indian
Hindu philosophy [19],
3 schools are included
in Anvikshiki and
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International Journal of Sanskrit Research http://www.anantaajournal.com

Kautilya estimated which is originated

those to be effectively from ignorance or
giving support to Agyanam [22] and
create a strong base to illusion or Maya [23].
his theories of On the other hand,
statecraft. Samkhya Charvak or Lokayata
and Yoga are is an ancient school of
recognised as Aastika philosophy that talks
or Orthodox (schools about direct
of philosophy who perception, denies the
believe in the acceptance of
supremacy of Veda) knowledge without
school of philosophy. adequate evidence and
Samkhya Darshana of refuse to accept
sage Kapila (c. 6th ritualism and
[24]
century BCE) adopts a supernaturalism .
theory of Dualism The term
where matter, known ‘Supernaturalism’ is
as Prakriti and the directed from the term
eternal spirit, known ‘Supernatural’, it
as Purusha emerges refers, the concept of
with each other [20]. the existence of entity
Yoga Darshana beyond the world of
embedded on Yoga perception or space
Sutras of Patañjali (2nd time universe [25].
century BCE to 5th While analysing the
century BCE). The reason for Kautilya’s
practical aspect of preference in
Yoga Darshana is including Anvikshiki as
much more significant one of the four
than its intellectual branches of
content which is knowledge, the
largely based on the answer lies in the
philosophy of following shlokas ,
Samkhya [21]. Thus,
both Samkhya and “Pradeepahsa
Yoga philosophy hold rvavidyaanaa
that, spiritual mupayah
liberation or Moksha sarvakarman
can be achieved when aam |
Purusha Aashrayahsar
(consciousness) is vadharmaana
liberated from the am
bondage of Prakriti shashwadaan
(matter). Yoga vikshakee
Darshana helps in mataa ||”
achieving this
liberation through The sloka conveys the
acquisition and meaning as follows,
perpetuation of the knowledge of
various states of mind. Anvikshiki is like the
Liberating the illuminator of all other
conscious soul from branches of
matter can be done knowledge, the
through meditation medium for all actions
which can also be and the protector of all
defined as a variation principles. Kautilya
of perception or might have considered
Ikshana. This the consciousness as
perception is for self-introspection or
spiritual liberation that Svadhyaaya.
happens on the Soul Svadhyaaya is a
getting freed from the virtuous observance
bondage of that is associated with
materialistic world introspection and
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International Journal of Sanskrit Research
‘study of self’,
according to various
scholars [26]. Self-
introspection is
required to have a
balanced life. When
narrating about the
purpose of the study
of Arthashastra, it
appears to be a
conscious effort taken
by Kautilya to convey
that, this text is not
only about economics,
statecraft or taxation,
it gives an overall idea
about the responsible
handling of resources,
life and livelihood by
individual and state.
The mature handling
of life is possible
through self-
introspection and self-
introspection is
possible only when
Anvikshiki is adopted
in life as a part of
knowledge.
Apparently self-
introspection helps in
reviving the ‘ethical
self’ of individual.
Kautilya imposes
morality in his treatise
on people of all levels
of society including
king. The Six
Elements of Prakriti
[27]
, known as
Rajasampatti [28] must
be maintained and
enhanced by an
[29]
Atmasampanna
king and once the king
is successful to
establish himself as an
ideal ruler, the ethical
standard of his people
likely to get
maintained. As a
visionary statesman
and a realist, Kautilya
realised the need of
responsible
management of the
Elements of states
(which are the wealth
of the state) for the
sustainable
development of it. A
conscious
consumption of
resources of the state
appears to be the key
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message given by
Kautilya in
Arthashastra and the
conscious
consumption of
elements in life and
ethics in soul needs
consciousness. In his
point of analysis
Arthashastra gets its
root strengthen by the
inclusion of Samkhya
and Yoga philosophy.
Whereas the realist
approach of Lokayata
Darshana has been
perceived in every
sphere of the narrative
development of
Arthashastra.
Moreover, a realist
approach towards life
can get sustainable
happiness and content
to the individual. A
happy and content
human can lead an
ethically stable life
and can gradually
progress towards
spiritual liberation in
the mortal life itself.
Here the probable
meaning of liberation
is the freedom from
vices in the present
human life and not
exactly the liberation
of soul after the
destruction of body.
Kautilya strongly
proposes the practice
of morality in life that
can possibly liberate
one from the vices
generated out of
Vyasanas. In the 5th
chapter of
Arthashastra, named
Indriyajayah:
Arishadvargatyagah, a
supportive narration is
given in an elaborate
manner [30]. There are
good number of
examples of kings
being imperialist yet
successfully ruling the
benevolent kingdom.
King Ashoka (r. 268-
232BCE) of Mauryan
dynasty is one among
them. Ashoka
expressed his concern
for the ‘welfare of the
International Journal of Sanskrit Research http://www.anantaajournal.com

whole world’ in his political or diplomatic

Kalinga Edict VI [31]. achievement. Both
King Ashoka is these rulers have
honoured as one of the conquered many
greatest kings of India battles, ruled huge
due to his policy of kingdom and at the
Ahimsa (non-violence) same time win over
that was able to spread the heart of their
the message of love people by showing
and compassion compassion towards
across the continent. them.
King Ashoka’s self- Arthashastra has an
introspection and analytical read on
[33]
transformation post Dharmadharma
Kalinga War (262 BC) (righteous or sinful
is significant from the act) and Arthaanartha
political, social, (financial loss and
religious and ethical profit) and Shasana or
perspective. Akbar the administrative system-
Great (1542AD- oriented discussions
1605AD), was another as he mentions about
name that surely Vedic knowledge,
requires a mention in knowledge of Varta
this context. Mughal (livelihood) and
emperor Akbar gave a Danda Neeti (law and
large boundary to order) respectively. It
Mughal kingdom appears, the treatise of
during his rule, Kautilya doesn’t stick
although his feudal to the analytical
policies and discussion of
indiscriminating economy but spreads
nature of over to the socio-
administration made political-cultural
him popular among aspect of common life
both of his Muslim too. Arthashastra talks
and Hindu subjects. about how Anvikshiki
His policy of helps implementing
conciliation and the knowledge of
conquest with Rajput shastras by putting
and other kings gave logistics into it while
him diplomatic prioritising the
victory, economic practical application
support by collecting of the same. The
tributes and supply of theory of spiritual
troops when needed. liberation is taken into
Akbar waived off consideration by
Zizia tax from Hindu Kautilya as a goal of
pilgrims and human life where
appointed Rajput means of attaining
princes for highest liberation is direct
ranks as generals and perception towards
provincial governors. life and livelihood in
Thus, he became an order to enjoy the
emperor far more maximum possible
successful than any opportunities provided
previous Muslim ruler by Metaphysical
in winning the world.
cooperation of Hindus Kautilya advocated
in all levels of his the imperialistic
[32]
administration . approach of a
Ashoka and Akbar, victorious king and
have shown their suggests every
respect towards rights possible decision to be
of common people, taken that empowers
going above the the king
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diplomatically and the way amalgamation

economically. of philosophy,
Shaadgunya or the economics and
Six-fold policies of statecraft is done by
inter-state relationship Kautilya in
contains the analysis Arthashastra.
about the flexible Arthashastra became
implementation of an authoritative yet
theoretical knowledge highly popularized
[34]
and being a realist text of its kind due to
statesman, he says, its balanced
proposition of
“Vivaade handling
Dharmamanusaret” | administrative policies
[35]
in an ethical way
which is embedded on
Which means, the introspective analysis
righteous path should of human rights and
be followed while in regulations.
conflict. This
approach of Kautilya References
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inclusion of Lokayata Maurya, Emperor
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between the practice Delhi, 1970, pp
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might be the reason 5. Ibid pp 96
why Arthashastra is 6. Metaphysics,
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The present article Sanskrit Studies,
tried to encapsulate
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International Journal of Sanskrit Research http://www.anantaajournal.com

Varanasi, 1979, known as

pp 17 Charvaka. Sage
10. 1.1.1.1, Gairola Brihaspati is
Vachaspati, referred to as the
Kautileeya founder of the
Arthashastra, 4th Lokayata school
ed, Chowkhamba of philosophy.
Vidyabhawan, ibid, pp 484
Varanasi, 2003, 19. Swami
pp 8 Harshananda, The
11. Ibid Six Systems of
12. Ibid 15.180.1.1 HINDU
13. Rangarajan L N, PHILOSOPHY,
Kautilya – The https://www.rkma
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16. Samkhya 2020
Darshana – One 22. Agyaanam,
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Apte V S, The Madhava, The
Student’s Sarva-Darshana-
Sanskrit-English Samgraha: or,
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Motilal Different Systems
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International Journal of Sanskrit Research http://www.anantaajournal.com

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28. Ibid 6.96.1.13
29. Ibid
30. Ibid 1.3.5.1-3
31. Lahiri, Nayanjot,
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34. 7th Adhikaranam,
Gairola
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35. Sutra 489,
Chanakya Sutra,
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