Kautilya’s Arthashastra as Political Thought

Kautilya’s political philosophy, as articulated in the Arthashastra, is best described as a pragmatic and realist approach to governance, emphasizing the survival, security, and prosperity of the state above all else. His major contributions include advocacy for strong centralized authority, effective administration, and the use of intelligence, diplomacy, and force as statecraft tools.

Kautilya’s Political Philosophy

  • Kautilya’s political philosophy is described as realpolitik, advocating pragmatic and sometimes ruthless strategies to maintain power and stability.
  • He believed politics is inherently conflict-driven and rulers must prioritize the survival and prosperity of the state.
  • The Arthashastra permits morally ambiguous tactics such as espionage, manipulation, ....
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Indian History