Kautilya: Arthashastra, Statecraft, and Governance

Introduction to Kautilya

• Kautilya, also known as Chanakya and Vishnugupta, was a prominent figure in the 4th century BC.
• He served as a minister in Chandragupta Maurya's kingdom, from 317 BC to 293 BC.
• Kautilya is revered as a 'saint,' 'King Maker,' and 'devoted nationalist'.
• Kautilya's legacy is often compared to Plato and Machiavelli.
• He was a luminary in both economics and politics.
• His significant contributions are in Arthashastra and Chanakyaniti.

Arthashastra: Science of Wealth and Statecraft

• Arthashastra, written in the 4th century BC, covers polity, economy, society, war, diplomacy, and international relations.
• It is divided into 15 parts, 150 chapters, and 180 events.
• Arthashastra was discovered by R. Shamstry in 1905.
• Artha means the science of acquiring and sustaining wealth.
• Shastra means the methods to safeguard wealth, thus Arthashastra is effective governance.
• Kautilya viewed the state as the highest organization.
• He advocated for the king to fulfill his duties outlined in Arthashastra.
• Arthashastra identifies 34 types of government.
• Kautilya's work is likened to Machiavelli and called "Radical Machiavellism" by Max Weber.
• He was the chief advisor to King Chandragupta and a professor at the University of Taxila.
• Kautilya's knowledge included the Vedas and Vedic literature.
• Arthashastra covers diplomacy, war strategy, law, governance, taxation, fortification, coinage, manufacturing, trade, administration, and espionage.
• Arthashastra is a foundational text for understanding ancient Indian governance and philosophy.

Kautilya on State

• Kautilya rejected the 'Divine Origin of the Monarch' and viewed monarchy as a human institution.
• The king is seen as a protector of Dharma and servant of the people.
• The king's role is Yogakeshema, aimed at spiritual development and a welfare state.
• Emphasized practice of Dharma and enjoyment of private property rights (Bhog).
• The King's duties included Rakshana (Protection) and Palana (Nurture).
• Maintaining agriculture was of prime importance.
• The state needed to have enough cultivable land to sustain its people.
• The King's authority came from three pillars:
  • Prabhushakti: Power from the army and treasury.
  • Mantashakti: Influence from the counsel of ministers.
  • Utsahshakti: Charisma contributing to leadership.
• These dimensions created a comprehensive framework for the monarch's functioning.
• He identifies four fundamentals of state governance:
  • Anvikasi (Philosophy): "Lamp of all sciences".
  • Trayi (The three vedas): Cultural Context.
  • Varta: Economic Policy.
  • Dandaneeti: Science of Government and Politics.

The Saptanga Theory: Seven Elements of State

• The Saptanga Theory identifies seven elements for a well-functioning state and is described as the 'Doctrine of 7 Prakritis'.

Swami (The Ruler)

• The Swami is the central figure, synonymous with "Monarch."
• The Swami must be erudite and courageous being well-versed.
• Extensive authority is granted to the Swami, to wield power for the welfare of the subjects.
• The aphorism is "Praja Sukham Sukhe Rajya" (the happiness of the populace is the ruler's happiness).

Amatya (The Minister)

• The Amatya is critical in the governance framework outlined.
• The minister assists the Swami, should be Brahmins with knowledge of the Vedas.
• The king is advised to consult Amatyas on tax collection and state defense.
• Kautilya advocates for continuous vigilance over Amatyas' loyalty.
• Three Amatyas is suggested as a precaution against potential conspiracies.

Durga (The Fortified Capital)

• Durga symbolizes offensive and defensive power.
• Kautilya emphasizes forts for defense.
• Four types of forts: Water fort (Audik), Hill fort (Parvat), Desert fort (Dhanvan), and Forest fort (Van).
• A state should maintain an adequate number of strategically located forts to safeguard borders.

Janapada (The Population/Territory)

• Janapada is the territory and population where revenue and essential commodities come from.
• The king is responsible for caring for the Janapada, sustaining the state's economic viability.

Bala (The Army)

• Kautilya categorizes six types of armies.
• A robust Kshatriya army is the cornerstone of state security: The Bala

Kosha (The Treasury)

• The Kosha is essential to support the king in welfare functions and emergencies.
• Serves as a financial reservoir.

Mitra (Allies)

• Mitra (allies) holds symbolic importance, signifying the strength of the king.
• Two types of Mitras:
  • Sahaja: Derived from familial ties and proximity.
  • Kritrima: Acquired for wealth and life protection.
• Sahaja allies are more significant.

Kautilya's Ideas on Foreign Policy

• Foreign policy aims to elevate the king to 'Chakravarti Samrat' for universal dominance.
• 'Vijigishu' (aspirant for victory) is the role, and war is Kshatriya Dharma and Rajadharma.
• Declaration of expeditions is the primary action after coronation.

Four Fold Policy

• Sam (Peace): Diplomacy and peaceful relations.
• Dam (Economic Diplomacy): Economic cooperation.
• Danda (Coercive Diplomacy): Use force.
• Bheda (Use of Espionage): Employ espionage to gain strategic advantages.

Shadgunya Niti (Six Fold Policy)

• Sandhis (Peace): Seek peace when faced with a stronger enemy.
• Vigraha (War): Acknowledge the state of war and the pursuit of power.
• Asana (Neutrality): Neutrality when power balances are equal.
• Yana (Preparing for War): Mobilize forces.
• Samsraya (Alliance): Form alliances with those sharing objectives.
• Dvaidhibhava (Dual Policy): Maintain friendship while at war with another.

Mandal Siddhanta (Theory of Circles)

• The Mandal Theory shapes war strategy and interstate relations through 12 kings/circles.
• Vijigishu assesses the positions of enemies and allies, evaluating 72 elements of sovereignty before warfare.
• Madhyama is a Buffer State.
• Udasina is a Neutral State.
• The King should select a capable ambassador to promote diplomatic success.

Types of Wars According to Kautilya

• Kutayudha (Tactical Fighting): Strategic acumen and on-the-ground decision-making.
• Mantrayudha (Diplomatic War): Employing negotiations and political maneuvering.
• Prakashayudha (Open War): Direct military confrontation.
• Tushnim Yudh (Secret Agents War): Covert warfare and secret operations.

Types of Victories as Outlined by Kautilya

• Dharma Vijay (Righteous Conquest): Ethical conduct.
• Lobha Vijay (Acquisitive Conquest): Territorial gains and resource accumulation.
• Asura Vijay (Demonic/Unfair Conquest): Unethical tactics.

Role of Ambassadors in Foreign Policy

• Ambassadors shape foreign policy.
• Ambassadors should base selections on physical attractiveness and charisma.
• Key role involves representing the king with diplomacy and tact.

Utilizing Religion in State Affairs

• Kings use religious figures to convey messages to weaken the enemy's resolve using beliefs and superstitions.

Kautilya on Corruption

• Corruption is inevitable in political life, stemming from human nature.
• Corruption impacts the material well-being of subjects.
• Officials can engage in embezzlement.
• Tackle corruption by punishing the Dayak (bribe-giver), Pratigraha (money-receiver), and Nidhayak (money-keeper).

Kautilya on Justice

• Advocates for justice and emphasizes human rights.
• Criminal justice and war justice must be administered by the king, protecting against social unrest.
• Importance placed on Dundiniti which encompasses the protection, acquisition, augmentation, and distribution of property.
• Sovereignty must be safeguarded by kings

Kautilya and Machiavelli

• Kautilya (ancient India) and Machiavelli (16th-century Italy) are compared as political theorists.
• Jawaharal Nehru dubbed Kautilya as the “Indian Machiavelli".

Quotes of Kautilya

• “Every neighboring state is an enemy and the enemy’s enemy is a friend.”
• “Just as it is impossible to know when a swimming fish is drinking water, so it is impossible to find out when a government servant is stealing money”
• “The arrow shot by the archer may or may not kill a single person. But stratagems devised by a wise man can kill even babies in the womb.”
• "Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness."
• “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats beauty and youth.”

Conclusion

• Kautilya epitomizes the realist strand of Indian Political Thought through the Arthashastra and is a pinnacle in political science.
• Kautilya's legacy offers timeless insights that transcend temporal boundaries.
• Arthashastra guides scholars and statesmen through nuanced political exploration.