Description
This revised and recomposed edition presents R. Shamasastry’s landmark translation of Kautilya’s Arthasastra, the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy attributed to Chanakya, the legendary advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Originally translated in 1915, Shamasastry’s work was the first English rendition of this 4th-century BCE masterpiece, bringing Chanakya’s pragmatic wisdom to modern readers. This 450-page edition from Dev Publishers offers a freshly composed text that makes the complex political and administrative principles more accessible for contemporary students and scholars. Whether you’re studying ancient Indian political thought, comparative governance, or simply exploring Chanakya’s timeless strategies on diplomacy, taxation, and leadership, this comprehensive volume serves as an essential primary source. Ideal for higher education students, researchers in political science and history, and anyone interested in India’s intellectual heritage, this edition preserves the scholarly rigor of Shamasastry’s original translation while improving readability for 21st-century audiences.
- ISBN-10: 938749666X
- ISBN-13: 978-9387496668
- Edition: revised and recomposed
- Publisher: Dev Publishers & Distributors
- Publication date: 10 August 2021
- Language: English
- Dimensions: 21.5 x 14 x 2 cm
- Print length: 450 pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between this Arthasastra edition and other translations?
This is R. Shamasastry’s historic 1915 translation—the first English version of Kautilya’s Arthasastra. This revised edition features newly recomposed text for improved readability while maintaining the scholarly accuracy of the original translation. It’s particularly valued in Indian academia for its direct approach to the Sanskrit source material.
Is Kautilya’s Arthasastra suitable for BA/MA Political Science students in India?
Yes, absolutely. This text is a core reference for Indian Political Thought courses in most Indian universities. The Arthasastra covers ancient theories of governance, administration, and diplomacy that are essential reading for political science, history, and public administration students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Who was R. Shamasastry and why is his translation important?
R. Shamasastry was a Sanskrit scholar and librarian who discovered and translated the Arthasastra manuscripts in 1905-1915. His translation was groundbreaking as it revealed Chanakya’s comprehensive political treatise to the modern world for the first time, making it accessible to English-speaking scholars and students globally.
What topics does the Arthasastra cover?
The Arthasastra is a comprehensive manual on statecraft covering governance, economics, law, military strategy, diplomacy, taxation, administration, and espionage. It provides detailed guidance on running a kingdom, from appointing ministers to managing state finances, making it relevant for students of political science, economics, and management studies.
Can I get the Shamasastry Arthasastra translation delivered anywhere in India?
Yes, The Bookish Owl delivers this edition of Kautilya’s Arthasastra across India. Published by Dev Publishers & Distributors, this 450-page revised edition is currently in stock and available for immediate dispatch at ₹796.
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