Learn Ancient Political Ideas with Chanakya Books
“A man is great by deeds, not by birth” - Chanakya
Teacher, philosopher, economist - Chanakya was a pioneer of political science and economics in India. He assisted Chandragupta during the Mauryan empire and played a great role in the rise of the empire. He was the chief advisor of Chandragupta and his son Bindusara. He is known worldwide for two of his well-known books - Arthashastra and Chanakya Niti. In Chanakya books , Arthshastra, you’ll find him discussing about the country’s monetary policies, welfare, international relations and war strategies. In Chanakya Niti, Chanakya presented aphorisms from various shastras. Chanakya is considered to be a great philosopher and diplomat in India. His book Arthshastra was praised by India’s former National Security Advisor, Shivshankar Menon for its precise policies that are applicable even in the modern world. There are various institutes that were named after Chanakya.
Arthashastra
“Dharma is law in its widest sense—spiritual, moral, ethical and temporal. Every individual, whether the ruler or the ruled, is governed by his or her own dharma. To the extent that society respected dharma, society protected itself; to the extent society offended it, society undermined” - Chanakya
This is an ancient books written by Chanakya on statecraft, economic policies and military strategies. It was initially written in Sanskrit, however it has been composed and expanded over the period of time. Its first English translation was published in the year 1915. Though, the title Arthashastra can be translated to the science of politics, if looked closely this book has a broader meaning. It includes the nature of government, civil and criminal law, economics, marketing and trade, war, duties and obligations of a king and more. It also includes the ancient economic and cultural information on agriculture, mining, medicine, forest and more. It broadly addresses the social welfare issues and collective ethics.
“Every neighbouring state is an enemy and the enemy’s enemy is a friend.” - Chanakya
Chanakya Niti
“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth” - Chanakya
This book has 455 aphorisms that can help people live an ideal life. There are several shlokas with detailed meaning in this book. Some of the topics included are birth, destiny, prayer, education, self-defence, duties, emotions, sins and attachment. In this book, Chanakya has listed a few principles that can help a person lead a successful and meaningful life. This book guides a person achieve new heights of success. There are different writers who have re-written the Chanakya niti books in different styles.
“There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.” - Chanakya
If you love reading history and contemporary books, then Chanakya books can be an ideal addition to your collection. His brilliance in the field of politics have helped Chandragupta Maurya establish his vast empire. His interesting political ideas are still admired by the world. If you’re wondering where to purchase these books from, you can browse through any online store, go through the Chanakya book list and buy Chanakya books online.