Arthashastra of Kautilya

Relevance in the 21st Century

Dr. Suresh R, Dr. Suresh R

• Publisher: VIJ Books (India) Pty Ltd
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9789390439294
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Politica e relazioni internazionali
• Subtopic: Politica

It is true that in the study of Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, and other related discipline Arthashastra is yet to receive due recognition in India and abroad. In this context, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) Shimla had hosted a two-day National Seminar on 'Reflections on the Relevance of Arthashastra in the 21st Century' This volume is the collection of selected papers presented at the national seminar. The relevance of Arthashastra in the contemporary world has been well explored in the seventeen articles categorized in three sections. The first part deals with the relevance of Arthashastra in the present century. The second section of the book deals with foreign and security policy, strategic culture as portrayed in Arthashastra. The third section of the book deals with Human Rights, Women's Status, Good Governance, Tax, and Treasury as reflected in Kautilya's Arthashastra.

Reflections on Arthashastra and its Relevance in the 21st Century

M P Muralidharan

There was always this misconception in the Western world that ancient India was ignorant of aspects such as strategy, statecraft or administration even though the Indian epics spoke of vast Kingdoms and of major battles that were fought. All that changed with the discovery of Arthashastra and publication of its English version in the early part of the twentieth century. Evidently, somewhere down the ages we had lost the knowledge about the document and its teachings. In my view, there could be many more such cases. For instance, our mythology also talks of Pushpak Viman. Did we have the technology to fly in those days which we lost? Worth pondering, as some of the descriptions of coastline in Ramayana may not have been possible without an aerial view! But coming back, Arthashastra was seen to be a comprehensive record of actions and guidelines on governing a vast empire, which included aspects of military strategy, diplomacy and economics. It also advised the ruler to promote the welfare of his people as they were the source of strength of a nation. Internal administration of a Kingdom was considered as important as foreign relations. Use of diplomacy and political guile was propagated in preference to outright war. Arthashastra further indicated as to how every resource or element of national power should be utilised by a ruler. Are modern nations not looking at issues through a similar prism? So does one really need to look for the relevance of Arthashastra in the 21st century?

Arthashastra by Kautilya, who has also been called as Chanakya and Vishnugupta, states right at the beginning that it is a compendium of similar treatises written by earlier teachers and covers a wide range of state activity to guide the ruler. In essence, Arthashastra is a comprehensive compilation of actions and advice on governing a vast empire covering administration, military strategy, diplomacy and all aspects of warfare. On the aspect of security of the state against foreign aggression, diplomacy has been advised as preferable to waging war. Rulers are also advised to calculate long term and short term gains before launching a war. It is also pertinent that every activity or advice covered in it is timeless and relevant even today.

Dr R P Kangle in his study, “The Kautilya Arthashastra”, has made very pertinent observations on relevance of Kautilya in the modern era, and to quote, “we still have the same distrust of one nation by another, the same pursuit of its own interest by every nation tempered only by the considerations of expediency, the same effort to secure alliances with same disregard of them in self-interest”. He goes on to say that, it is difficult to see how rivalry and the struggle for supremacy between nations can be avoided or how the teachings of Arthashastra based on these basic facts ever become superfluous, until some sort of one world government or an effective supranational authority is established. We have observed that formation of League of Nations or later the UN has not really transformed the world as envisaged. Therefore, Arthashastra and its basic tenants would in practice, continue to be followed by Nations, even if they do not admit it.

We are all aware that Arthashastra deals with topics as diverse as politics, inter-state relations, military organisation, war fighting, intelligence, economy, trade practices and shipping and even gender relations. It in fact covers the entire spectrum of public administration and other aspects that modern citizens look for in their Nation. It would be interesting to focus a little more on the aspects of security both internal and external. Of course in the modern era diplomacy or foreign policy is very closely interlinked with security issues.

War has been a recurring element in the history of mankind. Most successful nations have been dependent on the strategy of using their armed forces to support their political goals. War of course, is merely an instrument of state policy and often the last resort. Diplomacy or management of International relationships by negotiations is the most preferred option. It is also clear that even after a war or even minor skirmishes, nations look for political settlement of issues.

Military power is thus a major instrument of any modern state to protect its national interests especially its security interests. Unless a nation has a credible military deterrent, very often other nations tend to ignore its views and policies. It may even lead to attempts to usurp territory or economic interests of that nation. In an earlier era, British gunboat diplomacy ensured advancement of her national interests across the globe. In today’s scenario, while missions of the armed forces are even more complex, it is the ability of United States to project military power at virtually every corner of the world that ensures safe guarding of her national interests.

Kautilya had a clear grasp of distinction between means and end, even though he had conceived it more than 2000 years ago. It is a concept that many strategic thinkers of today have not fully appreciated. Kautilya also spoke of intrigue, secret missions and covert operations and diplomatic offensives as instruments of state policy. All these ideas are still relevant and practiced even today. The prohibitive expenses of war were well appreciated by him and therefore advocated that victory can best be achieved without bloodshed. Kautilya also spoke of utilisation of all elements of state power to achieve favourable outcomes.

Arthashastra speaks extensively of military organisation covering each of the constituents of the army, the troops, the organisation into platoons and regiments. Kautilya talks of the infantry, cavalry, the chariots and the elephants. In essence it covers all aspects of land fighting capabilities as then known. It also speaks of the training issues of the army, pay, emoluments, rewards and honors. Kautilya also mentions that families of soldiers killed in the line of duty will be provided with subsistence and wages. He also cautioned against committing troops to confrontation without looking at the aspects of training and possibility of escalation. Battle formations are discussed so are tactics. He further talks of medical support and logistics supplies to be standby to encourage fighting men. Arthashastra also speaks of fortifications and how enemy fortifications could be overcome. While some of the writings and recommendations may appear at variance with modern era norms we practice today, the fact that Kautilya envisaged many of these issues more than 2000 years ago needs to be appreciated.

Kautilya has extensively spoken of the conduct of war focusing on power, place, time, strength and of ascertaining weaknesses of the enemy. The time of invasion is relevant even today. For example, in our own context, the monsoons, severe winter, time of harvesting and heat conditions would all play a role depending on the area of operations. It would also be appreciated that weather conditions play an even more significant role in maritime and air operations. Arthashastra also speaks of the type of equipment, manpower and the importance of finances in any mission. After the presentation of union budget every year, we speak of the need for funds for upkeep and modernisation of the armed forces. Kautilya had emphasised more than two millennia ago, that the army is dependent on a strong finance for its upkeep. He also spoke of strong leadership, industry, infrastructure and population, all of which as having direct bearing on the armed forces. Kautilya also spoke of villages which were exempted from taxation in lieu of military services rendered to the state.

Kautilya did not ignore maritime dimensions of security. He had a post of Chief Controller of Shipping and Ferries, who was responsible for a variety of maritime activities including welfare of sea traders and seamen, ensuring sea worthiness of ships and tackling piracy. A Chief Controller of Ports is also mentioned. Port dues and customs duties are indicated. It also mentions that pirate ships and enemy boats violating territorial limits should be destroyed. Profit margins for trade were fixed at 5% for local goods and 10% for imported ones. Does it not sound similar to modern day protectionism! In essence, the economic dimension of Kautilya’s Arthashastra was both well developed and central to his national security policy.

As mentioned earlier, Arthashastra extensively covers diplomacy and warfare. Kautilya advocates that rulers must carefully examine short term gains through immediate action, vis-à-vis long term gains, which could be attained by awaiting the right moment to act. While the Mandala theory is often considered merely as an arrangement of states in concentric circles, the idea essentially was one of inter-state linkages with its own complex degree of friendliness or animosity or in modern parlance of having allies and adversaries. It would be appreciated that in the ancient world there was fierce competition between States for survival. While in the modern era, especially since World War II, we have not seen major conquest of nations as such, minor annexations and control for power over limited territories are still pursed. Territorial integrity therefore remains an important element of security of a nation, more so in view of the increasing roles being played by non-state actors. While modern day international relations are largely based on the equality of States, it is observed that powerful Nations try and impose their will on others, be it in the form of trade sanctions or by imposing restrictions on movement of people.

Arthashastra talks of achieving success by alternate strategic means. It speaks of creating dissention in the enemy camp. Espionage both military as well as diplomatic is spoken of. It also amplifies the need for local monitoring of intelligence, whether it is for watching the conduct of government officials or keeping the ruler informed of the general public feeling. It also talks of the need to collect information on state of affairs of neighboring kingdoms and the need to ascertain and neutralise any plans they may hatch against others. Diplomatic espionage is also talked of while discussing the duties of the Ambassador. He was expected to strike friendship with enemy’s officers, become familiar with their military strengths as well as ascertain their weak points. He was also expected to cultivate and gain insights into the state of thinking of those in power in enemy territory. In the modern era, our diplomats and defence attaches too are expected to gain insights into the country they serve in.

It is also observed that the basic principles of foreign policy as enunciated in Arthashastra are as applicable today as at the time of writing of the book. The need for economic and military might is emphasized for any nation to pursue its national interests. It also states that any calamity to the people of the country would affect its economic strength and therefore development of the country as a whole. It emphasizes on the importance of leadership, population, industry and infrastructure, all of which are equally relevant even today.

As would be evident, the strength of the Armed Forces of a nation continues to play a significant role in pursuit of its policies. Therefore, in modern era, warfare is not purely a confrontation between armed forces, but is also aimed at achieving supremacy in the economic, diplomatic and political fronts. In today’s world, challenges to global security are possibly no different from what existed at the time of Kautilya. While advances in science and technology have helped change the methodologies employed, the problem of inimical states, terrorism and insurgencies remain in different forms. We also have non-state actors, supported by nations or elements who do not want to appear directly in front.

The principles as laid down in Arthashastra are therefore as relevant today as at the time of its compilation. To summarise what Kautilya spoke of as needs of a successful nation is still significant. Economic prosperity and its distribution among citizens were essential for development of a nation and its security. Good governance, institutions and corruption free officials were necessary for internal stability. On the aspect of internal security, Kautilya spoke of the need to guard against revolts, insurgencies and subversion apart from mere physical security of borders. He also spoke of spies or espionage for external as well as internal monitoring, shades of modern day IB and RAW! Cooperation of the citizens to bring in changes was preferable to confrontation and this could be by material incentives or by appealing to their good sense as citizens. It was imperative for the ruler to place service to his people and their welfare, above his self-interests. Incidentally are we all not looking for something similar in our modern day nations and political and administrative leaders?

Kautilya analysed the internal and external dimensions of national security, strategy at various levels and examined practical aspects of governance. Kautilya’s concepts were effectively used by modern India in its policies. The policy of non-alignment, no first use nuclear policy and non-aggression beyond her borders all have shades of wisdom as advocated by Kautilya.

As we grow economically and possibly emerge as a $5 trillion economy soon, our Armed forces would become even more vital to international peace and stability, as we are seen globally as a nation with no hegemonic ambitions. Our Armed Forces have been some of our most visible ambassadors abroad, be it in peacekeeping duties or in rendering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Warfare in information age has a greater emphasis on influencing political hierarchy as well as populace at large. Apart from the capability of waging pure warfare, there is also the need for military might to be a threat in being to further national power. Kautilya’s writings teaches us all this.

In the years ahead our military diplomacy and presence may be called upon for support and cooperation worldwide. In my view, as our national interests expand our forces would need to reach out and build partnership with nations big and small across the globe. In this regard, our Navy has been in the forefront by its mission based deployments, bilateral and multilateral exercises across the world and by rendering disaster relief, sometimes even before the effected nation’s forces could react. Of course Navies have the unique advantage of being in international waters and yet being close enough to emerge on the scene when called for.

Kautilya, therefore, compiled in Arthashastra, a policy framework for national governance, which remains very much, a template that can be used even today. The relevance of Arthashastra was very succinctly summed up by Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon, our former National Security Advisor, who said during a seminar organised by IDSA in 2013, “the concepts and ways of thinking that the Arthashastra reveals is useful because in many ways the world which we face today is similar to that Kautilya operated in when he built the Mauryan Empire to greatness.” In essence Arthashastra is indeed a timeless compilation on complexities of governance and international affairs. Even though written more than two millennia ago, Arthashastra would remain as a referral guide in statecraft even in the 21st century or in the foreseeable future. At the same time, it needs no reiteration that the writings of Kautilya should be analysed to incorporate suitable modifications to meet the needs of contemporary international relations.

References

LN Rangarajan (Ed) The Arthashastra

RP Kangle The Kautilya Arthashastra Part III P 283.

IDSA, New Delhi Press Release of Oct 08, 2013.

Between Theory and History: Formulating an Alternative Interpretation of Kautilya¹

Jayashree Vivekanandan

Abstract

Where does the intellectual exercise of tracing the origins of India’s strategic history lead us? What motivates researchers and political elite to identify and uphold key values as intrinsic to a state’s very existence? In seeking answers to these questions, the paper problematises attempts at theorising state building in India that have leveraged history to address contemporary concerns. They have also led to the essentialisation of national identity that seeks to distil, from the vast diversity of historical experiences, certain basic characteristics that presumably remain unchanged across epochs. Together, these have given us a sanitised version of the Indian state. The paper suggests that one of the ways to address this lacuna is through the process of historicising. It seeks to recover historical contingency by locating Kautilya within the ancient arthashastra tradition that upheld the theory of contractual kingship. The paper argues that the significance of Kautilyan philosophy can be grasped by understanding the material and ideational conditions prevalent at that time. More specifically, an appreciation of sovereignty in ancient India would be vital in order to understand state behaviour, diplomatic practices, role of ethics in statecraft (or lack thereof), and practices concerning territoriality. Being attentive to the cultural context of power and political fragmentation, it is argued, would yield a fuller understanding of Kautilya than an essentialist and ahistorical approach would afford.

Keywords: Historical contingency, arthashastra tradition, dharmashastra tradition, akhlaq literature, Indian strategic practice.

Statecraft in India is not about a history but many histories that do not necessarily form a coherent whole. Yet, theories seek patterns in state behaviour, diplomatic practices and role of ethics in statecraft, or lack thereof. In doing so, it is vital to contextualise theoreticians, philo...