Chapter-3

Life Sketch of Kautilya

3.1. Introduction 25

3.2. Life Sketch of Kautilya 26

3.3. Main Contribution of Kautilya to The Mankind 43

3.4. Legendary Characteristics of Kautilya 45

3.5. Exact Purpose of Kautilya 45

3.6. Different Views about Kautilya 47

3.7. Conclusion 48

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3.1 Introduction

(3-1. Kautilya)

In Indian history, the centuries to come and that passed by, are

recorded many great persons and legendary characters who shaped time

through their extraordinary deeds and their excellence in every skill. But among

of them, Kautilya may be the only one personality who has been respected and

accepted as a brilliant person not only by Indian scholars but also western

Scholars too. Kautilya has multi personality. We have been described as a great

teacher, shrewd statesman, devoted patriot, deep thinker, ruthless

administrator, master strategist, selfless ascetic, ideal philosopher and true

saint. He is called all-rounder because he got mastery in all the branches of

knowledge. He was well versed in commerce, warfare, Politics, Economics and

Vedas. He lived around the third century B.C. but even today his ideas and

principles show relevancy and applicability in the present day society. He is a

historical milestone in the making of India.

Kautilya is the greatest person with wisdom and knowledge. He is

considered the pioneer in the field of Economics. His foresight and wide

knowledge combined with political economics expediency helped found

Mauryan Empire. He was a key advisor and councilor of Chandragupta

Maurya, the founder of Mauryan Empire. Kautilya was chief architect of his

rise to power so he is called kingmaker too. A man full of vision; he was always

prepared for the worst. He had the guts to speak his heart out even in front of

the rulers. He himself lived such a life, refusing all adornments, compassion

towards the poor and evil to deceit when needed which shows some of his good

characteristics of nature.

Kautilya was a professor at the University of Takshashila which is

located near Peshawar in Pakistan. He was the first man to envision the first

Indian Empire by unification of the various small kingdoms in the Indian

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subcontinent. His major works is Nitishastra, Chanakya Niti and Arthāŝastra.

Kautilya is India‟s most illustrious political economist of all time. He regarded

economic activity as driving force behind the functioning of any political

dispensation. Kautilya was a true statesman who bridged the gap between

experience and vision. For Kautilya, good governance was paramount.

3.2 Life Sketch of Kautilya

Life sketch of Kautilya is as following.

3.2.1 His Identity

We are generally called him Chanakya. Chanakya is derived from

his father‟s name Rishi “Chanak”. Chanakya was born to Chanak and

Chaneswari, the Maga Brahmin couple in the village of Chanak in Gola district

of Magadh. He has much capacity to author of Arthāŝastra, is generally referred

to as Kautilya. Kautilya is derived from the name of his gotra “Kotil”. Kautilya

also called Vishnugupta because of one of the oldest Sanskrit Literature to

clearly identify Chanakya with Vishnugupta. He was the writer of Vishnu

Sharma‟s Panchtantra in the 3rrdd century B.C. Kautilya invokes the name

Vishnu, a Hindu God, in his treatise and expresses his spiritual beliefs which are

totally Vedic in nature. One view suggests that, “The name Kautilya” is derived

from the word “kutila”. “Kutila” means vakra or crooked. Thus history has

known him through three different names: Kautilya, Chanakya and

Vishnugupta.

There have been several questions about Kautilya. Not every

historian accepts that Kautilya, Chanakya and Vishnugupta are the same

person. Some believes that Vishnugupta and Kautilya was different person.

Vishnu Sharma was a redactor of the original work of Kautilya. Some believes

that Kautilya and Chanakya have been different people.

3.2.2 His Era

Unfortunately what is genuinely known about period of Kautilya is

not proper. Thus details of his birth and life are not reliable and we have to

depend on tradition. Kautilya is estimated to have lived from 350-283 B.C.E.

Very few real historical facts about his birth and death except that he helped

Chandragupta to ascend the throne, to consolidate his empire and to unite the

Indian states for fighting against Alexander of Macedonia around 327 B.C.E. It

is almost certain that Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya were adults. It is

quite proper to guess that Kautilya was older and wiser than Chandragupta in

order to command the respect necessary for success in destroying the Nanda

Rule. History tells us that Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan

Empire in the year 321 B.C.E. Kautilya was probably born around 350 B.C.E.

was very influential during Chandragupta‟s rule. This shows that Kautilya was

junior contemporary of Aristotle (384-322 B.C.E.). There is no proof that

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Kautilya was affected by Aristotle‟s idea. Some historians have “questioning

about Kautilya‟s existence”.

His place of birth is not assured. Some say that he got the name

Chanakya because he was born in China. The Buddhist mentions his birthplace

as Takshashila while Jaina scripture mention his birthplace as Chanak in Gola

district of South India. According to one version, birthplace of Chanakya was

Dravida so one of the Chanakya‟s various names was Dramila. Some believes

his birthplace was Patliputra. However, Kautilya‟s birthplace will continue to

remain a disputation.

3.2.3 Early Life in Childhood

When Kautilya was born he had full set of teeth, which is a sign that

he would become a king or emperor. Kautilya‟s father, Rishi Chanak was a

learned Brahmin. He was a teacher. Being a teacher himself, he knew the

importance of education. He started teaching his son Kautilya in his early age.

In his early age, Kautilya was tutored extensively in Vedas; though he

memorized them completely at little age, that ancient time, the Vedas

considered being the toughest scripture to study. Even as a child he had

qualities of born leader. He was also taught mathematics, geography and science

along with religion. Right from his childhood, Kautilya‟s wisdom and

shrewdness was visible and effective. His favorite subject was Politics.

3.2.4 Injustice with Kautilya‟s Father

Kautilya had faced very difficult circumstances at every stage of life

from his childhood. Kautilya‟s father, Chanak was learned, noble and self

respected Brahmin. He would not allow any injustice or immortal deeds. The

corrupt and arrogant king Dhannanda did not like him naturally. The king

opposed the rightness of Chanak so he harassed Chanak‟s family for false

reasons. Chanak was put in prison by the king. He died in prison. No one raised

a voice against the injustice with Chanak. Kautilya was a very little boy that

time. He was extremely sad because of his father‟s death and injustice happened

with his family. After his father‟s death, his life was also in danger. So he left

Patliputra by taking an oath that he would return and fight against injustice

and take revenge against Dhannanda.

3.2.5 Glory of Takshashila University

Takshashila was a world famous university of all kinds of higher

education in ancient time. The university was named after the city which it was

situated. Takshashila which is later corrupted Taxila is situated near Peshawar

in Pakistan. Takshashila is given a name from Taksha who was nephew of God

Rama. The branches of studies most obtained after around in India ranged

from law, medicine, warfare and other military sciences.

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(3-2. Takshashila University)

There were different range of subjects were;

1. Science

2. Philosophy

3. Ayurveda

4. Grammar of various languages

5. Mathematics

6. Economics

7. Astrology

8. Geology

9. Astronomy

10. Surgical

11. Agriculture Science

12. Archery and Ancient and Modern Sciences.

The Vedas and eighteen Arts which included skills such as archery,

hunting and elephant lore, were taught in addition to its law school, medical

school, and school of military science. Teachers and professors were highly

knowledgeable. Even king sent their sons for higher education. About

University, it is said that a certain teacher had one hundred one students and all

of them were princes! The kings and rich people donate freely for development

of university. This reveals the grandness of the university. The university was

very popular in teaching the subject not merely theoretically but practically too.

The age of entering the University was sixteen. Ancient time, there were more

than one thousand students studied. The university offers different types of

courses period of more than eight years. From different regions and countries,

students admitted for completing graduation. Takshashila was the junction

where students of different countries met each other and exchanged their

knowledge.

Kautilya, Chandragupta Maurya and Ayurvedacharya Charak

studied at Takshashila. From the religious scripture, Takshashila is mentioned

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as the place, where the king of snakes, Vasuki selected it for the spreading

knowledge on the earth.

3.2.6 Sparkling Student at Takshashila

Kautilya had his education at a famous university which was well

known those days as Takshashila. With this education his natural brilliance

sparkled like polished diamond. Kautilya received education that it goes to show

his genius ness which was helping to provide foundation for his later life, he was

disciplined, bold and brave, just like his father-Chanak. He was more intent in

Politics and Economics. In both subjects, his knowledge and cleverish were

sparkling. He was a scholar student in Takshashila and so he was a favorite

student of teachers because of his intelligence and leadership quality. He studied

all the subjects, religion and politics. He turned his education to Economics and

it remained his lifelong friend.

3.2.7 Dream of Acharya

After completing studies, Kautilya started teaching in university. He

was known as „Acharya‟. Kautilya taught subjects using the best his practical

knowledge. He not only taught various subject but also taught about values,

attitude and patriotism to his students. Many kings and aristocrats were his

student. He helped them to become bright and responsible person. Two of his

students were Bhadrabhatta and Purushdutta who acted important role for

Kautilya. His students looked him as an ideal teacher who inspired them

through being himself as a role model. His students obeyed him and were ready

to fight at any moment. Though he was a professor of university, he was hardly

interested in the administration of country and information about various kings

in Bharat.

Kautilya was the first who foresighted Bharat as a united nation. He

knew that only united Bharat could protect herself and her culture from

foreigners. Only dream of his life was happy, strong, self dependant and

prosperous Bharat.

3.2.8 Alexander-The Greek Invader

Alexander generally has known as Alexander the Great who was a

Greek king of Macedon which is a state in northern ancient Greece. He was

born in Pella in 356 BC. Aristotle tutored Alexander until the age of 16. In 335

B.C.E., Philip-father of Alexander was dead, at that time Alexander was just 20

years old. After that he became the ruler of „Macedonia‟. He wanted to become

the world conqueror and he had an ambition to win the entire world, so he

wanted to win all the kingdoms in the Middle East. By the age of thirty, he had

created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from the

Ionian Sea to the Himalayas. He was undefeated in battle and is considered one

of history's most successful commanders.

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Kautilya envisioned the impending threat of foreign invasions.

(3-3. Alexander-the Greek invader)

Alexander inherited a strong kingdom and an experienced army,

after Philip‟s death. He was awarded the generalship of Greece and used this

authority to launch his father's military expansion plans. In 334 BC, he invaded

Persian-ruled Asia Minor and began a series of campaigns that lasted ten years.

Alexander broke the power of Persia in a series of decisive battles, most notably

the battles of Issus and Gaugamela. He subsequently overthrew the Persian

King Darius III and conquered the entirety of the Persian Empire. At that

point, his empire stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River. Thus in the

4th

century B.C.E., the Greeks and Iranians fought for getting the supremacy

in the world. He continued to fight in Iran for improving his soldiery

strength from 334 B.C.E. to 330 B. C. E. He won Afghanistan and Iran.

Alexander was ruling in the country in Middle East.

To fulfill his ambition, he was ready to attack Bharat. From Iran,

he marched to India, obviously attracted by its great wealth. Alexander

marched to India through the Khyber Pass in 326 B.C.E. The Greek conqueror

Alexander- the great attacked the Bharatiya sub-continent. Alexander

conquered small kingdoms one by one. Among the rulers of territories, two

were well known; Ambhi, the prince of Taxila and Porus whose kingdom lay

between the Jhelum and Chenab. Ambhi submitted to the invader, increase his

army and replenished his treasure. When he reached Jhelum, Alexander met

from Porus the first and the strongest resistance. Alexander crossed the Indus

and fought and won an epic battle against King Porus, who ruled a region in the

Punjab, in the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BC. Although Alexander defeated

Porus, he was impressed by his bravery and courage of the Indian king, so he

restored his kingdom to him. Then he advanced as far as Beas River. Seleucus

was a great warrior of Europe. Seleucus was trying to attack India and he was

preparing his army for battle.

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(3-4. Attack of Alexander)

During that time, Bharat was divided in various kingdoms. They

fought with each other. Main states in north-western were;

1. Aspasian

2. Gureeans

3. Assakenos

4. Nysa

5. Peukelaotis

6. Taxila

7. Arsakes

8. Abhsara

9. Glauganikai

10. Elder Poras

11. Gandaris

12. Adraistai

13. Kathaioi

14. Kingdom of Sophytes

15. Phegelas

16. Aagalssoi

17. Siboi

18. Oxydrakai

19. Malloi

20. Xathroy

21. Ossadioi

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22. Abstnoi

23. Sodrai

24. Massanoi

25. Mousikanos

26. Oxykanos

27. The kingdom of Sambos.

Foreigners attracted towards India because of her glory. It was lack

of unity among kings because of many small kingdoms. So, Alexander won them

easily.

Kautilya was aware of not only external evils but also internal evils

too. The country had been damaged from two sides, by Alexander who wanted

to rule in Bharat and some trivial kings who looked after their own interests

instead of nation‟s interests. Alexander set up a Greek- Macedonian troops and

satrapies in Takshashila. At that time, in ancient era, in Europe, Dark ages was

existed while Takshashila University stood as a small light house, therefore

foreign invaders wanted to get rule over Bharat.

3.2.9 Migration of Kautilya

Kautilya got information about the Greek invader by his spy

network. Political disturbance in western India at that time caused by Greek

invasion forced Kautilya to leave the Takshashila University. He also cleared

about Alexandra‟s plan. He also realized that Alexander and his troops were

brave and armed with full storage of weapons. In this crucial situation Kautilya

had sleepless nights. So he decided, thus saying,

“Now the time has come to leave university. The scrupulous rulers of

the country must be uprooted and there is a need to strengthen the country

politically and economically. My first and foremost duty is to save the country

of the foreign invaders and salvage this dangerous proposition.”

He envisioned his country bounded by foreigners and internal

disputation. The whole nation was divided in small kingdoms and he wanted to

unite with them because combination of all Bharatiya kings will be able to

provide strong defense against the Greek invader and at that time, Magadh was

the biggest empire in Bharat which extended from Bihar and Bengal in the east

to eastern Punjab in the west. To get a freedom from the Greek invaders, there

was urgent need for the help of Magadh king, according to Kautilya‟s scrutiny.

Thus he gave first priority to nation in place of his bright career as a professor

and he migrated to Patliputra.

Because of this step of Kautilya, the new chapter of Politics of India

had begun.

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3.2.10 Patliputra- A Prosperous City

(3-5. Location of Patliputra)

The city of Patliputra is known as Patna presently which is the

capital of Bihar presently. It was addressed by different names like Pushpapur,

Patliputra, Pushpanagar and Patna. At that time Patliputra was the globally

famous and historically well known capital city of Magadh. Patliputra had seen

many conditions from upper level to lower level of development.

Shishunagvanshi was the founder of Patliputra. Patliputra is situated on the

southern bank of the river-Ganga. It was described about Patliputra as a

prosperous city by Fahian in 399 B.C. Initially Patliputra was known as the

center of learning and trendy to give honor to intellectual people from various

branches of knowledge. Knowledgeable and scholars were sheltered in

Patliputra and they were invited for discussing and exchanging their new

thoughts. The city was meticulous in manufacturing necessary commodities for

common people and expensive good for wealthy people. It was rewarded true

genius so it was called the city of fortunes.

(3-6. Ancient Patliputra)

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Kautilya started a new mission from Patliputra-this provides

evidence about the prosperity of Patliputra.

3.2.11 The King – Nanda

Patliputra was ruled by the cruel king Dhannanda. He had no

principles to rule. He was very greedy for wealth. He had no satisfaction of

money which he received. The king collected number of taxes to receive money.

People were expressing their displeasure that there was tax on various things

like hides, wood and stone too. He was a villain for a common man in Nanda

dynasty. Dhannanda collected a large amount of money and valuable

possessions. No one had imagined about his actually wealth. Nanda was

crushing and pressing the poor people. He wanted to more and wealthier and so

his national treasury would become full forever. Kautilya came at Patliputra,

there would be change. He was very kind to poor and gave gifts to them; he

gradually reduced the cruel rule. Kautilya opposed unbearable taxes on people

just to fill his personal desire. Kautilya decided to remove this system which was

without sense. As an obvious economist and very learned man, he joined the

Nanda government.

In Patliputra, Nanda king made a „Sangha‟ (trust) which had a

president and members. Sangha was kept eye on income of kingdom. King

made Sangha for mainly organization and distribution of his gifts and charities.

All Sangha members and the president were scholars in different branches.

They had powers to collect the gifts from one lake gold coins up to ten million

gold coins. Kautilya became the president of Sangha because of his genius ness,

and so he had to meet the king frequently.

3.2.12 The Oath of Kautilya

(3-7. Oath of Kautilya )

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Chanak- Kautilya‟s father was harassed by the king although he did

not any attention about his personal hostility against patriotism. As a Sangha‟s

president, he had to meet the king often. In meeting the king saw Kautilya; he

caused revulsion at the appearance of him. There was no improvement in

conduct. This type of rude behavior was continuing towards Kautilya. To

increase the height of wall between the king and Kautilya, the courtiers

discouraged the king for friendly relation. Kautilya was purely professional so

he avoided praising the king. Being the blunt, outspoken and terse person, he

was disliked by the king. Kautilya‟s intellectuality was not liked by the king, so

Dhannanda removed Kautilya from the post of president without any reason

and he behaved utterly and insulted him. He was thrown out of the Nanda

court by the ruler, where he swears revenge. Kautilya vowed to uproot him

from his kingdom, he reacting king‟s action and keep his long shikha untangled

until he saw the death of ruler and his drunken princes and added,

“Arrogance in you has eroded the respect which I had for you. You

have removed me from the president ship for no fault of mine. You can‟t act in

a way detrimental to the demeanor of a king. You think there are no question

you? You have removed me from my rightful place and I will dethrone you!”

Quickly, he left from there and he hid his original identity.

3.2.13 The Turning Point of History

(3-8. Chandragupta Maurya)

Kautilya walked on the streets of Patliputra hurriedly after

humiliating by the king. He lost his balance on a part of grass and injured his

foot because of his quick walk. The root of grass was combined strongly from

bottom into the earth, so it was very difficult to uproot it out. In spite of the

burning sun, he sat down calmly and he looked grass and he acted quickly as an

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intelligent person. He flew sugar syrup in grass. A young man- Chandragupta

was observing this whole incident carefully. After sometime, insects and many

ants came and ran in the direction of sugar syrup. They caused bigger damage

and destroyed the grass totally. There were not even single strand of grass left.

Chandragupta came near Kautilya and addressed him with respect

and asked, “It was just a grass, why did you do it?” Kautilya answered, “It was

poisonous and fatal and all evil things should be destroyed completely even

though they are small. This is everybody‟s duty. I would remove even a king

adopted adharma.” Kautilya asked him about his family background and

questioned, “Who are you? You seem to be worried.”

(There are many descriptions of an event which became the turning

point in Indian history how Kautilya and Chandragupta met. One description

suggests that Kautilya had bought Chandragupta. Second description suggests

that Chandragupta and Kautilya met accidentally. Third suggests that

Chandragupta that Chandragupta was also insulted by Dhannanda, so he went

with Kautilya. It is not important that how Kautilya and Chandragupta meet

but it is important that it creates history.)

3.2.14 Kautilya moved by Chandragupta‟s Tale of Woe

Chandragupta replied with explanation that he was the grand son of

King Sarvaarthasiddhi- Chandragupta. His grand father had two wives-

Sunanda Devi and Mura Devi. Sunanda has nine sons who were called as

Navanandas and Mura had only one son who was his father- Maurya. Maurya

had more than hundred sons. The Nandas tried to kill his father and brothers

because of jealous feelings. He killed all of them but he somehow survived. And

because of this incident, he was totally disgusted with life. He wanted to take

revenge against Nanda King. This was Chandragupta‟s painful story. Kautilya

moved by hearing tale of woe. He thought that he must help Chandragupta. He

confessed him too, “I will get you the kingship, Chandragupta.”

He recognized young Chandragupta‟s basic characteristics. He saw

his quality as a born leader from his child hood. Kautilya treated and guided

him as a student and Chandragupta was become patriot, brave and bold fighter

after some time by fulfilling his vow. Kautilya educated him from seven to eight

years. Kautilya used him to achieve his aim to uniting Bharat. He felt Magadh

comes under his control; he would easily bring the Bharat under one rule.

Kautilya and Chandragupta were incomplete without each other.

There is not availability of reliable information about

Chandragupta‟s life. Related all the details of his basic information and family

back ground are not existed. Some point describes about his life. Possibly he

may be related with Maurya.

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3.2.15 First Task against Kautilya and Strategy

(3-9. Meeting with the king)

Kautilya had two tasks; one was freedom from Nanda king and

second was freedom from Greek invader. But he thought their first task should

be to get rid of the Greeks. Because according to Kautilya‟s view, foreign rule

was poison, threat and exploitation to our culture, loot and poverty would be

result of foreign rule. Kautilya and Chandragupta started to work together to

get their goal.

Chandragupta becomes as strong as military commander under the

training of Kautilya. Now, there was a typical task against him because

Chandragupta had no support of any emperor. Although it would be very

difficult to collect the big army under one rule, it would be getable because

combination of great skill of knowledge of Kautilya and strength of

Chandragupta. Both decided to visit the different places and gathered soldiers.

Kautilya inspired kings of small kingdoms to unite and fight against the Greek.

Kautilya visited and warned all the kings about the result of Greek invasion.

Some kings reacted positively. They collected much soldiers but Kautilya

believed that this was not enough so he make a friendship with a king Parvataka

who is also known as Porus of Himalayan region because Porus was the only

king who would become the challenge for the Greek in the battle and they

would get the support of him.

Kautilya followed in four strategies like „treating with equality,

enticement punishment and sowing seeds of dissension.‟ Kautilya sent

Chandragupta to meet Alexander. He talked bravely and with disobedience in

his speech. Alexander ordered him for arresting him but he was escaped.

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3.2.16 Freedom from the Greek

(3-10. March of Alexander)

Alexander won the bordering area with the support of Ambhi king-

who was Bharatiya. Ambhi joined with Alexander. Alexander divided the

kingdom and some regions. Alexander remained in India for 19 months (326-

325 B.C.E.), which were full of fighting. He had barely any time to organize his

of the conquests, still he made some arrangements. Most of conquered states

were restored to their rulers who submitted to his authority. But his own

territorial possessions were divided into parts. He arranged „satraps‟ to control

them. Some „satraps‟ were Greek like Nicossar, Philips and Pethan and other

were Indians like Porus, Ambhi and Abhisar.

(3-11. The Macedonian Empire)

Kings of neighboring states come together against for united action

under Chandregupta‟s leadership. So Alexander could not get the sufficient

support from all Bharatiya king. Because of Alexander‟s rule broke up into

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small divisions, he went out of India and went back to Greek. Since Alexander

left a charge, Greek satraps were always under the fear of rebellion and killing.

First Nicossar was murdered and then Philip was able and experienced Greek

invader, even when Alexander was alive and at that time Alexander was a far so

he could do nothing. Results of these incidents, Indian satraps were burning and

waited for rebelling. Alexander wanted to move still eastward, but his army

refused to accompany him. He injured very badly in returning. In 323 B.C.

Alexander- a main Greek invader died suddenly in Babylon near Baghdad, at

33 years of age. Just after Alexander's death in 323 B.C.E., Chandragupta and

Kautilya began their conquest of India by stopping the Greek invaders. In this

effort they assassinated two Greek governors, Nicossar and Philip, a strategy to

keep in mind when Kautilya gave approval of assassination. By taking much of

western India (the Punjab and the Sindh) from the Greeks and concluding a

treaty with Seleucus (Alexander the Great's Greek heir to western India), then

Greeks accepted that Bharat had gone out their rule. Thus Chandragupta and

Kautilya were able to get freedom from the Greek. They stopped series of

victory for Alexander and got freedom from him. Chandragupta and Kautilya

succeeded in bringing together almost the entire Indian subcontinent. As a

result, Chandragupta was, and is now, considered the first unifier of India and

the first genuine emperor or king of India.

3.2.17 Second Task against Kautilya

Both Kautilya and Chandragupta waited to crush Nanda Dynasty

eagerly; because of he humiliated Kautilya and did injustice with

Chandragupta too. After death of Alexander, Kautilya turned his attention to

Nanda Dynasty. Fight of Kautilya against Nanda king was not only for his

personal insult but also he wanted to get rid of the people from uncontrolled

taxation. It was very difficult task to win, though they used strategies and

counter strategies at proper situation. The Nanda Empire had many kingdoms

and it expanded extent. His army was strong. It was made of more than two lake

soldiers, twenty thousand chariots and three thousand elephants. Nanda king

had a support of giant army and Amatya Rakshash who was his very intelligent

minister. Thus army of Nanda was powerful and hence defeating Nanda king

was very difficult. Kautilya had to make proper plans and strategies against

Nanda king for getting victory. Firstly, strategy of Kautilya was to attack from

core of the city. With this strategy, Chandragupta started his fight. He defeated

again and again.

3.2.18 Victory of the Pairs of Kautilya and Chandragupta

A spy was a person who collects information on enemy. A spy of

Kautilya was collecting information in village. He was near a hut. A woman

served a chapatti to her son in it. The son ate chapatti from the middle portion

and the edges of chapatti threw away. The mother told that type of strategy

would be employed by Chandragupta in war same as his eating pattern of

chapatti. The boy asked how it was possible. Mother replied with explanation

that instead of starting Chandragupta‟s attack from middle of kingdom, he

Contemporary Relevance of Economic Thoughts of Kautilya

40

should have to begun his fight from external part of the city. His army is

encircled. These words from mother reached to Kautilya through the spy.

Kautilya impressed and learnt lessons. He changed his strategy to fight.

All information regarding this war is not available. They started

attack on the outer parts of the Magadh Empire. There were errors again. The

soldiers were not stationed. When they came forward, the people of these areas

joined together and encircled their army. And those who had been lost had to be

attacked again and again. By this mistakes, they stationed troops in regions, so

enemies would not increase and cause many difficulty. With the help of

Parvataka, Virochaka who was his brother and Malayketu who was his son

provided troubles for Nanda king. Kautilya knew the importance of Amatya

Rakshash, Kautilya made a play for Amatya by spies. In the fight, Kautilya and

Chandragupta and Kautilya stood on the one hand and the Nanda stood the

other hand.

In the war, Chandragupta faced off against Bhadrasala who was

commander of Dhannanda‟s armies. He was able to defeat Bhadrasala and

Dhannanda‟s armies in a series of battles ending with military operation in

Patliputra, and he conquered the Nanda Empire around 321 B.C.E. at last with

a excellence planning of Kautilya and bravery of Chandragupta, king

Dhannanda was thrown out and killed later. His sons and relatives also died in

the war. Kautilya wanted to destroy the lineage of the Nandas. Chandragupta

removed from the power Dhannanda with the help of Kautilya. Thus Kautilya

was an uncrowned kingmaker.

Indian tradition states that responsible for this new revolution were

master mind of Kautilya. Kautilya was a key person who had planned for the

rise of Chandragupta to power.

3.2.18 Establishment of Mauryan Empire

(3-12, Area covered by Mauryan Empire)

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41

The first unified empire which covered most of parts of India and

Pakistan in present day was established. Chandragupta established a vast

empire which included not only Bihar and good portions of Bengal, but also

western and north western India and the Deccan. Leaving Kerala, Tamil Nadu

and parts of north eastern India, the Mauryas ruled over the whole of the

subcontinent. In the north-west, they held sway over certain areas which were

not included in the British Empire. Chandragupta Maurya‟s vast empire

extended from the Brahmaputra River in the east to areas beyond the Indus

River up to Hindukush ranges from the Himalayas in the north to areas beyond

the Vindhyachal ranges up to Cauvery River. His capital was Patliputra.

Besides the capital cities, there were many other important towns in those days,

such as Srinagar, Indraprastha, Mathura, Sarnath, Prayag, Kasi, Gaya, Ujjain

etc.

(3-13. Area covered by Mauryan Empire)

Kautilya is believed to be responsible for the establishment of the

first unifier Empire. The Mauryan Empire had a well organized administration

because of Kautilya. Finally Kautilya and Chandragupta had succeed in

defeating the Greek Invaders and Nanda King who had established vast empire

which covered from Bengal and Assam in the east to the Indus valley in the west

which he expanded later. Chandragupta Maurya became a king and he became

very popular because of his selfless love towards people of the kingdom and also

with the help of Kautilya a master strategist. Many small kingdoms agreed his

leadership and joined him. Those kings who did not join him themselves, after

sometimes they also became friends of Magadh because of „kutila niti’ of

Kautilya. Thus Kautilya achieved his dream of uniting Bharat. Chandragupta

ruled for many years. Kautilya remained with him as a prime minister and a

counselor and a guide too.

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42

(3-14. Ring Stone from Mauryan Empire)

Kautilya held the rules and principles of Magadh Empire and looked

upon the emperor till end of his life. Kautilya is praised for his political wisdom

and knowledge of all aspects of human nature. All the experts agree about that

Chandragupta and later Ashoka (265-238 B.C.E.) became a model and ideal of

efficient and successive government because of great contribution of Kautilya.

3.2.20 End of Kautilya‟s Life

There are controversies about death of Kautilya. There were

different opinions about end of Kautilya‟s life like Jaina, Budhhist and Ajivaka

(which is an ascetic school similar to Jainism).

According to Jaina scripture, Kautilya lived long life and died

around 275 B.C.E. Radhagupta was Kautilya‟s follower and student too. He

cremated him. Radhagupta got to succeed Rakshasa Katyayan as prime

minister of Mauryan Empire. And he became the main device for establishing

vast empire for Ashoka.

According to other Jaina invention, while Kautilya served as a prime

minister of Chandragupta, he began to mix little quantity of poison in food of

Chandragupta. Main intention of this deed was to protect Chandragupta from

being poisoned by opposes. Durdha was a queen- wife of Chandragupta. While

she was a pregnant, she ate the food mixed with poison. Because of eating

poisoned food, she died. Kautilya decided that the baby should exist, so he cut

the stomach of the queen and took out the baby from her belly. Kautilya gave

the name of baby- Bindusara because a drop (bindu) of poison had passed to

head of baby. He became a great king and father of Ashoka. When he became

young, Chandragupta gave up the throne and followed Jaina Saint Bharatbahu.

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43

He lived as a monk and died of starvation. Kautilya remained as a prime

minister of Bindusara. Subandhu was another minister of Bindusara. He

distasted Kautilya. Because of jealousy, he explained Emperor that Kautilya

was responsible for the killing of his mother. Bindusara established the truth of

this with the nurse who treated him and he became very angry to Kautilya.

Hearing the curse words from the emperor, he thought it was time to end his

life. He gave all his wealth to poor, widows and orphans. He avoided food and

drink. When Bindusara heard the complete reality of his birth later, he felt

guilty and forgave to Kautilya for his injustice. According to one version, after

this incident, Bindusara returned. Subandhu disliked Kautilya still too. He

wished that Kautilya did not come back to this city so he organized a ceremony

for Kautilya. In ceremony, by fraud he made a fire and Kautilya burned to

death.

According to other version after forgiveness of Bindusara to

Kautilya, he would not change his mind to end life. Bindusara returned to

Subandhu and killed him. Because of starvation, Kautilya died after this

incident.

According to other version, Chandragupta Maurya gave up his

throne and Kautilya joined him in passing to the last remaining stage

(vanprashtha ashram) of their life as Sanyasi. Kautilya took the king with him to

south India where both of them carried continuous meditation and achieved

Moksha.

3.3 Main Contribution of Kautilya to The Mankind

Kautilya is considered as a diplomat non peril. Kautilya is known as

a source of pride with suggesting Chandragupta Maurya during the victory

against Nanda and defeat of Greeks and on the formation of a powerful

government which established the Mauryan Empire to almost the entire

subcontinent and a man of wisdom and unfailing strategies. He saw the country

like a person covered by problems. He worked at the totally destruction of the

problem. Kautilya had a pride as a teacher. He gave importance to teacher by

describing, “Shikshak have the ability to bring about the revolution. If he desire,

he can change a future of current generations. He can play a bigger role in

making the character based society that holds esteem value and principles. If he

desire, he can throw out the powerful kings.”

Kautilya is credited with writing an impressive work. Major and

famous works of Kautilya are Arthāŝastra and Neetishastra which is also known

as Chanakya Niti. All works of Kautilya are special because of their logically

approach and unembarrassed advocacy of politics. Kautilya got extraordinary

fame over 2300 years ago for two reasons- (1) his Sanskrit writings on Politics

and (2) the practical counsel to Chandragupta who established big empire

under his guidance. His books are translated into various languages like

English, French etc. His literature shows the depth of study of Bharatiya way of

life. In his books, he had touched all points of life.

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44

Kautilya is well known for his work- Arthāŝastra (science of

material gain). This Sanskrit statecraft was written at the end of the 4th

century

B.C. but, rediscovered in 1905. Kautilya described his political ideas into the

„Arthāŝastra‟ which is called the oldest treatise in the world of political thought

and command in society. It includes encyclopedic information about political

economy and aspects of government, monetary and fiscal policies, coinage,

commerce, forests, welfare, weights and measures, agriculture, law

international relations, methods of defeating kingdom, military strategy and

duty of king, qualification of ministers, formations of villages, punishments, and

protection of citizens. Kautilya‟s Arthāŝastra is considered the first systematic

book in Economic.

Two additional works are regarded to Kautilya. Nitishastra is

Kautilya‟s second famous work. It is variously translated “The Science of

Morality”, “Common Sense” or “Ethics”. Nitishastra is a treatise on the perfect

way of life‟s principles and very simple conduct in all works of life. In other

words, the real aim of Niti- indeed the aim of life is to realize ones eternal

position. It is a collection of facts of practical wisdom for living – a code of

conduct and Indian culture showing the path of justifiable like the light of

dawn. Kautilya teaches us how to be happy in general life. Kautilya also

developed Neeti sutras about behavior. There are 455 sutras in it. Kautilya used

216 sutras to train Chandragupta in the art of rulings kingdom.

(3-15. Nalanda University)

He was a student of Takshashila University so he was impressed by it.

He felt urgent need of identical university in Magadh too, so he set up another

big University at Nalanda. Nalanda became a famous university in the world

later. Thus his works withstood the changes of time and have a place of their

own next generations too.

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45

3.4 Legendary characteristics of Kautilya

There are many legendary characteristics related to Kautilya.

Following characteristics identifies Kautilya as a legend and it identifies differs

Kautilya from common people.

1. Kautilya had a full set of teeth, when he was born like Maharshi Ved Vyas.

This is a symbol that he would become a king. But he was a Brahmin so it

was improper. Thus his teeth were broken and it was predicted that he

would rule the empire through the king.

2. Kautilya had the good excellence as a born leader from even as a child. His

intelligence quotient was higher than same aged children.

3. Kautilya was blunt and directly sharp spoke to the Nanda king also so

Kautilya was thrown out of court by Nanda king. Kautilya vowed to take

revenge.

4. He tried very hard to fulfill his vow in spite of limited resources.

5. Kautilya tried to find a person who ruled through him. When

Chandragupta met Kautilya, Kautilya identified his Qualities as a leader.

6. Kautilya give guidance to Chandragupta about how to establish good

empire and how to rule.

7. Initial attempts of Kautilya to win against Nanda king failed. A spy told

Kautilya about the incident of a mother and a son. Immediately he learned

lesson from just common man and he changed strategy of fight.

8. Kautilya added little amount of poison in Chandragupta‟s food daily

because he wanted to make him resistant to poison and he would survive

against poisonous enemy.

9. Chandragupta did not know this. So his queen- Durdha ate food which

served for emperor. Durdha was in her ninth month pregnancy. She died

but Kautilya wanted to save the heir to throne. So he cut the belly of queen

and took out the baby, who was named Bindusara.

10. Political rivalry against Subandhu was the reason for his death.

3.5 Exact Purpose of Kautilya

Kautilya was the first Bharatiya who envisioned India as a self

dependant country and India would stand the first raw in all aspects like

politically, economically and socially in the world too. From the life sketch of

Kautilya, we conclude that Kautilya is remembered for his revengeful life. But it

Contemporary Relevance of Economic Thoughts of Kautilya

46

is not fact; Kautilya‟s aim was not just his personal revenge but he wanted to

establish the vast empire instead of many small kingdoms, because the big

empire should be safe and smoothly administration should come and all people

should be happy and satisfied with the king. He wrote the epic- „Arthāŝastra and

Nitishastra‟ to describe the exact purpose of his life. In Arthāŝastra he depicted

conduct of king, closed and sufficient economy, protection system, and laws,

economy based on native countries, production ways, agriculture, cattle rearing

and commerce. According to Kautilya, agriculture was the most important

constituent among all. After many years, it‟s a fact today that our Indian

economy is based on agriculture. He included different topics related on

administration. His books are relevant and useful even today.

He guided the next young generations by writing Arthāŝastra and

Nitishastra. According to Kautilya, “the secret task of a king is to survive for the

welfare of his people incessantly. The administration of the kingdom is his

religious duty. His greatest gift would be to treat as equals.” And “the happiness

of the commoners is happiness of the king. Their welfare is his welfare. A king

should never think of his personal interests or welfare, but should try to find his

joy in joy of this subject.”

Kautilya envisioned that our country would reach the following

levels in economical, political and social level of development.

1. Kautilya envisioned India would have been self sufficient economy.

2. Belief of Kautilya in the principles of equal rights for all categories of

people.

3. Efficient management of land.

4. According to Kautilya the state should keep eye on agriculture at all time

for development of the state.

5. Construction of cities and forts as a device for protection of people.

6. Collection of minimum level of tax.

7. Same laws for all categories of people.

8. Government should organize about the security of citizens.

9. Kautilya dreamt society where people are not running after money but

spiritual development. It is necessary for improving strength, first priority

is spiritual progress of divine and material pleasure is secondary.

Kautilya is also second name for courage and continuous march in

spite of difficulties. Kautilya‟s works were described before 2300 years although

his words are relevant and useful for today.

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47

3.6 Different Views about Kautilya

1. Writer of „Nitisar‟ described that Acharya Kautilya destroyed king Nanda

who was like mountain on his shoulder and Chandragupta who was like

the Moon among all the man became the emperor his place.

2. Our first Prime Minister Nehru said about Kautilya in „Discovery of

India‟, “Chanakya has been called the Indian Machiavelli and to some

extent the comparison is justified. But he was much bigger person in every

way, greater in intellect and reason. He was not mere follower of king, a

humble advisor of a powerful emperor.” He also added, “Chanakya sat

with the reins of empire in his hands and looked upon the emperor more

as loved pupil than as a master. Simple and austere in his life, uninterested

in the pomp and pageantry of high position.”

3. Mukherji gave his opinion in his article „the foundation of Mauryan

Empire‟ about Kautilya, “the country had recovered from the attack of

Alexander‟s victories march through it- march which had dislocated its

indigenous political organization. The atmosphere was full of frustration

and depression. The battle of India‟s Independence against these heavy

odds called for a leader of exceptional ability and vision who would infuse

new life and enthusiasm into the drooping spirits of a defeated people, and

organize a fresh national resistance against domination.” Thus our

country produced Kautilya who had already been prepared for a great

mission. Victory against Greek shows the ability of Kautilya although lack

of enough resources.

4. Subramaniam puts, “there is undertone in his thought and teaching. In the

Arthāŝastra, which has been misunderstood, he says that the crux of this

political science is control over senses.” Kautilya recommended

moderation in material pleasure and adherence to the path of

righteousness.

5. In „Mudrarakshash‟ of Vishakhadutta, Chandragupta has been depicted as

a weak insignificant young man and Chanakya being the real ruler.

6. Sir Thomas R. Tratmann has described that Chanakya was born with a

complete set of teeth, which gave a sign that he would become a king or

great person.

7. Mattessich throws lights on Kautilya‟s contribution. He recognizes

elements of modern principles of accounting in Kautilya‟s Arthāŝastra and

shows that it contains more accounting theory than Pacioli‟s Summa.

Mattessich deserves much credit for interpretations of Kautilya‟s implicit

analysis. He makes insightful and bold observations, noting that many

studies in accounting history have focused too narrowly on the search for

the origin of double-entry book keeping. He places Kautilya‟s Arthāŝastra

on a par with Pacioli‟s Summa.

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48

8. Winterniz says that, “it is strange that the same Kautilya, who in many

places of Arthāŝastra proves himself an orthodox follower of Brahminism

and often recommends the performance of religious rites. Has no scruples

whatever in recommending strategies which can only be called an abuse of

religiosity of people.”

3.7 Conclusion

Kautilya was brave and systematic, never forgetting his goal in life,

simple and uninterested in pomp, intelligent and sharp, devote and selfless.

Kautilya plotted and destroyed government as a saint. Works of Kautilya have

been used today although it was constituted over two thousand years. Such a

self respected and tribute life Kautilya lived! His whole life was mysterious but

spotless. He fought against Adharma like Lord Krishna. He had chance of

become an Emperor but he never thought to become an Emperor. He was loyal

to Chandragupta till his death. He would change all the circumstances in his

favor. Indeed Kautilya had a brilliant personality.

In Delhi, Chanakyapuri is situated; it means “the city of Chanakya”.

Chanakyapuri is one of the posh areas of Delhi. It reminds us Chanakya.

Kautilya was the first patriot in India who succeeds in his aim and

whose vision is relevant today. Kautilya reminds us that he is not just history

but he created history. His life, teaching and works will continue to guide us

and inspire to follow him.