Chanakya : maker of Chandragupt & united India

Chanakya : maker of Chandragupt & united India

                                          

Dr  Balraj Bishnoi

1 Sanskrit treatise – Arthshashtra is a science denotes acquisition & protection of the means of livelihood & how to carry these activities. Deals with political statecraft i.e. a) principles of public administration. B) machinery of government  c)economic policy d)military strategy and personnel. (51)  

2 The objectives a) Palana ,  refers to administration & protection of state & b) Labha ,is a conquest & acquisition of territory. (20)

3 Arthshashtra is divided into 15 books/adhikaranas. 4 books relates with pattern of P.A. i.e. 1^st , 2^nd . 5^th , & 6^th . half of arthshashtra devoted to strategies & tactics of defense & foreign policy.1^st book- relation of the king with ministers, princes, envoys & spies. 2^nd book – entitled “Duties of the Government superintendent  deals with the department .

4 Matsyanyaya-“ Law of the fish “ , according to which bigger fish swallows the smaller one thus people agreed to pay taxes (1/6^th grains, 1/10^th of merchandise & gold)to get security & prosperity under one rule. A king favour like Indra & Yama.

5 Nature of duties , according to arthshashtra administrator must possess science of public administration. Kautilya exorts a prince to study the science of Artha (economics) under government superintendents and science of Dandaniti (the science of government) under politicians.

6 Saptanga theory – it is essential organ /seven prakritis (states) as following :

a)      The ruler /swamin

 b)      The amatya / minister eg priest , teacher, P.M. & TREASURER  and collector general etc.

 c)        Janapada /population – their existence is to be understood by implication in reference to janapada.

 d)      Durga /fortified capital : 4 types 1) audik-surrounded on all sides by water 2) parvat – which is in centre of hills 3) dhanvan- lies in desert and 4) van-durga- situated in forest.

 e)      Kosha /treasury –state treasury is permanent source of revenue & king is advised 1/6^th part of the produced with sufficient currency & gold /minerals.

 f)       Danda / army- army versed in military arts with loyality & patriotism.

 g)      Mitra/ ally & friend      

 Ø  Principles of administration (regulate the working of machinery of the Government) :

1         Principle of authority, obedience  and discipline, of duty & interest & of responsibility

And  of responsibility  (Sovereignty ) .

2         principle of division of labour , of coordination , of separation , of speciality , of hierarchy & of equity.  ( actual method of work of administration).

 Ø  Kautilya identifies 5 elements of administration :

1         The means of starting undertakings

2         The excellance of man & material

3         Appointment of place & ttime

4         Provision against failure   AND

5         Accomplishment of the work

Ø  Fear, duty & interest are among a no. of motives behind the act of obedience for the order of administration (arthshashtra). The motive of fear “ the life of man ……………………life in fire…..

Ø  The purpose of Danda , the symbol of authority is to make people righteousness & work productive of wealth & enjoyments.

Ø  Important offices of the state :  Kautilya categorises them into 18 tirthas:

Eg 1 prasastr – magistrate, samahartr- collector general, samnidhatr-chief treasurer, pradestr-commissioner, ativahika- officer incharge , forest. Etc…

                                                                   ...............................part 1