The Arthasastra: Assessing the Contemporary Relevance of an Ancient Indian Treatise on Statecraft
Abstract
Ancient texts on strategy studied the struggle for power in elaborate detail. Despite advancements in science and technology, eminent political and military leaders consistently emphasize the need to revisit ancient strategic texts. In the midst of scholars such as Sun-Tzu and Thucydides, Kautilya's Arthastra remains a lesser-known work from ancient India. This thesis researches Kautilya's magnum opus on statecraft and investigates the treatise's contemporary relevance. Although the treatise studies the complete socio-economic spectrum of a state's affairs, this paper identifies concepts relevant to the modern idea of national power and uses them to assess China's geo-political environment. This research found that Kautilya's prioritization of a state's elements of national power and his focus on enhancing a state's power, find similarity in contemporary China's policy choices. The treatise assists foreign policy formulation by offering a "Kautilyan" perspective of the power struggle between states. This research highlights the importance of rediscovering ancient strategic scholars and their value towards gaining a cultural insight in the Asian geo-political environment. In an age of increasing relevance of Asian strategic cultures, a focused and unbiased study of Kautilya's strategic thought, will certainly not be in vain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1020076
Entities
People
- Abhishek Kumar
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College