Syllabus

Unit 1: Introduction to the Discipline- Introduction to the Arthashastra, various disciplines of Indian Education System, place of Kautilya Arthashastra among one of them, importance of science dealing with governance
Unit 2: Introduction to Tantrayuktis – The methods of preparing a compendium, tools and techniques of writing a compendium.
Unit 3: Governance Procedure- Appointment of the ministers, duties of Government superintendents, treasury, spies, royal writ, punishment- Vakparushya and Dandaparushya.
Unit 4: Laws of Inheritance – Determination of forms of Agreements, determination of legal disputes, Division of inheritance, Special shares in inheritance, Distinction between sons.
Unit 5: Economic Dimension- Body of income of the state, collection of revenue, duties of a Chamberlin (koshadhyksha), forty ways of embezzlement of the revenue, punishment for the embezzlement of revenue, expenditure, Loss and Profit, Keeping up the Accounts, Recovery of Debts, Deposits of the state, Resumption of the gifts, Remission of Taxes.
Unit 6: Political Dimension- Six fold Policy- War, Combination of Powers, Agreement of Peace with or without definite terms, Double Policy, Circle of States, Conduct of Corporations, Secret means, Plan of treatise, planning of different Vyuhas in War.

Understand the Historical and Theoretical Foundations: To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Kautilya's Arthashastra, its historical context, and its significance in the Indian education system and governance.

Analyze Governance Procedures: To examine the procedures and principles outlined in the Arthashastra regarding governance, including the appointment of officials, administration of justice, and the management of state resources.

Explore Economic and Political Dimensions: To investigate the economic strategies and political policies proposed by Kautilya, including revenue collection, management of state finances, and diplomatic strategies.

Apply Classical Principles to Modern Contexts: To enable students to apply the classical principles and strategies of the Arthashastra to contemporary issues in governance, economics, and politics in modern India.

1. Historical and Theoretical Comprehension: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the foundational theories and historical context of the Arthashastra, including its place in the Indian educational system and its role in shaping governance.
2. Governance Skills: Students will be able to analyze and critique ancient governance procedures described by Kautilya, such as the appointment of ministers, duties of government officials, and legal procedures for justice and punishment.
3. Economic and Political Analysis: Students will acquire the ability to evaluate economic policies and political strategies from the Arthashastra, including methods for revenue collection, management of state finances, and strategies for diplomacy and warfare.
4. Practical Application: Students will develop the skills to apply the principles and strategies of Kautilya’s Arthashastra to modern governance issues, economic management, and political strategies, providing innovative solutions and insights for contemporary challenges in India.

T. Ganapati Shastri, Arthashastra of Kautilya, Chaukhambha Surbharti Prakashana , Varanasi, India 2005.

Sri. Vacaspati Gairola, Arthashastra of Kautilya, Chaukhambha Vidyabahavan , Varanasi, India, 2013.

L.N. Rangarajan, The Arthashastra, Penguin Books Ltd. , London.

Kautilya (Author), R Shamasastry (Translator), Kautilya’s Arthashastra: The Way of Financial Management and Economic Governance, Jaico Publishing House , Mumbai, India.

https://dlc.dlib.indiana.edu/dlcrest/api/core/bitstreams/61f2bbc5-39a8-4342-90b2-81775a1f7723/content

https://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol9-issue7/Ser-1/B09070812.pdf