(His life and philosophy) Background – Raveesh Magod

▪ From Hubballi ▪ B. E. @ BVB College of Engineering, Hubballi – 2010 ▪ A “Sankalpite” from 2010 to 2012 – Initial days of Jignyasa ▪ M. S. (2014) and Ph. D. (2018) from Arizona State University ▪ Currently working as an Analog Design Engineer at Kilby Labs, Texas Instruments ▪ A Jignyasu Who is Chanakya?

▪ Author of the well-known work ▪ Prime minister and chief advisor of ▪ One of the first documented economist and political strategist in the world ▪ A strong proponent of a unified Bhaarata → Bhaaratavarsha ▪ A celebrated teacher of Takshashila

Source: https://www.mapsofindia.com/history/mauryan-empire.html Timeline – Birth

▪ Born as early as around 16th century B.C. (puranic evidence) or 350 B.C. (colonial interpretation) ▪ Believed to be from ✓ His father Chanaka was a teacher at Magadha ▪ Other sources point to birth in Kerala ✓ References to south Indian practices in Arthashastra ▪ Chanaka putra Chanakya

▪ Birth name was Vishnugupta Source: Google Images Sneak peek at Indian History – After

• Mahabharata war around 3138 B.C. (or 3067 B.C.) • Beginning of Kaliyuga – 3102 B.C. • Power of Kurus declined post Kaliyuga • Center of power gradually shifted to Magadha • The birth place of • Gautama – Buddhism1 • Mahavira – Jainism • Present day Bihar and Odisha – Close to Pataliputra of Magadha period

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia 1Source: Buddha's Birth Earlier Than Thought | National Geographic http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/ Sneak peek continued – The Mahajanapadas

• Primarily referenced by Buddhist texts on the pre-Buddha Era • Pointers to these states mentioned in Anguttara Nikaya – One of the 5 volumes (Nikaya) of the Sutta Pitika • Janapada/Ganapada – A people’s republic • Solasa Mahajanapada Sneak peek continued – Bhaaratavarsha

• Empire vs. Samrajya – Independent kingdoms with “emperor” • Monarchy prevailed – Kings were bound by Dharma • Arthashastra - gives details on smaller kingdoms relation with the emperor • Besides military strength • Personality • Administrative strength • Adherence to Dharma

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/ Sneak peek continued – Bhaaratavarsha

• Extent of : • Modern day Afghanistan – West • Kanyakumari – South • – North • Myanmar – In the east • Monarchy did not prevent a grass root democracy at local level • Kautilya redefined the boundaries of India – Himalayas to the southern sea and a thousand yojanas (1 yojana = 7.64 miles) east to west

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/ Sneak peek continued – Kingdoms of North India

• Gandhara • Kshudraka • Arutt • Madra • Vahlika (Bactria) • Magadha • Puru • Kirata • Kaikeya • Kashi • Nepal • Kashmira • Malwa • Lichachavis

Source: Portraits of a Nation – History of Ancient India Bhaaratavarsha – Key ideas

• Invasions to India – and not a particular kingdom. Alexander or thereafter • Entire region basically followed Vedic Dharma • Welfare of the people remained a prime concern • Consolidation of statehood • Systemization • Administration • Trade and monetary growth • Spread of religion and culture

Source: Uttarapath And Dakshinapath: The Great Trade Routes Of Jambudwipa Nanda kingdom – Magadha

▪ Elevated levels of corruption – Right at the level of king and ministers ▪ King (Dhanananda) accused of ✓ Hoarding wealth from “Raaja kosha” ✓ Heavy taxation on citizens – even on essentials • Eg. Taxes on firewood for cremation ✓ Non-supportive of education (Brahmanas) ✓ Excessively involved in sense pleasures ▪ Shaktaar (Mantri) – An honest man. Imprisoned by the king on questioning his actions ▪ Acharya Chanak - Teacher at Magadha and father of Chanakya (Also imprisoned) Quick Recap of discussion on Dec 14th, 2018

▪ Mahabharata war (3138 B.C.) and shift of power to Magadha ▪ Buddhism – 19th century B.C. ▪ The 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient India ▪ Entire region basically followed the Vedic Dharma ▪ Monarchy existed – King followed Dharma ▪ Greek historians data for timeline of Chandragupta ▪ The Nava – Nandas The Science of Historiography

▪ Itihaasa – Iti + ha + asa – In this way + it + happened ▪ The invasionist model for Indian history ✓ Aryan invasion ✓ Muslim invasion ✓ British invasion ▪ Approaches in presenting history ✓ Type 1 – Objective account of data obtained from various sources ✓ Type 2 – Evaluate past in the viewpoint of present social life ✓ Type 3 – Theorist who thinks S & D makes current superior and past barbaric ✓ Type 4 – Print few facts and shape it around political agenda • Eg. for 3 & 4 – Macaulay, Max Muller, Marxist, etc. ▪ “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”

Source: Portraits of a Nation – History of Ancient India The Science of Historiography

▪ Sources of History and Historical Evidence ✓ Literary (Vedas, Epics, Upanishads, Arthashastra, etc.) – Natural conditions, royal dynasties, occupation, social and economic organization ✓ Account of Foreigners – Greek writers, Fa-Hien and Hieun-Tsang (In corroboration) ✓ Archeological, coins and inscriptions ✓ Geological – Radiocarbon dating for river belt ✓ Astronomical – Linking close to 150 astronomical references in Mahabhaarata with computer software ✓ Linguistic – Similarity between and European languages ✓ Fauna and flora – Accurate references in early texts ✓ Genetics – Early inhabitants native to India, rule out the possibility of entry of new group to India in the last 15,000 years

Source: Portraits of a Nation – History of Ancient India Chronology of the Magadha empire

▪ Shishunaga dynasty ✓ Bimbisara ✓ Ajatshatru • Patricide • Pataligrama – Pataliputra • First Buddhist council • References to meeting Buddha (Gautama) ✓ Darsaka ✓ Udayi ✓ Followed by the Nandas

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/ PS: Wrong references to birth of Buddha Chronology of the Magadha empire

▪ Mahanandi – The last descendant of Shishunaga dynasty or the first king of Nandas ▪ Mahanandi’s son with a Sudra women – Mahapadma Nanda. Contrary evidence suggests he was a son of a barber ▪ A barber in Pataliputra – Had learnt yielding weaponry ✓ Initially assigned a small troop ✓ Later became the commander of the army ▪ Conspiracy and murder of Mahanandi with the help of Sunanda Devi and ascent to the throne ▪ Nine (8) sons – Nava-nanda (Last son known as Dhanananda) Mahapadma Nanda – An ambitious monarch

▪ Mahapadma Nanda hated Brahmins and Kshatriyas ▪ Defeated Kashi, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Maithila, Shoorasena, Vitihotra, Haihaya, Kalinga and Ashmaka ▪ Padma means “ten thousand crores” ✓ Amassed huge wealth ✓ Had unparallel army

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/ Unpopularity of the Nandas

▪ Nanda kings were largely unpopular ✓ Possession of huge wealth implies great deal of extortion ✓ Heavy taxation and hoarding ✓ Relations with neighboring kingdoms hostile ✓ Lowness of birth and ascent to throne ✓ Heterodox disposition ▪ The empire had shown signs of revolt – Kalinga regains control

Source: https://www.mapsofindia.com/history/nanda-empire-323-bce.html The rule of Dhana Nanda

▪ Hoarding the revenue collected in Raajakosha ✓ Does not leave a trail – Angada and Shishupaala ✓ Shaktar – Minister plans to catch the king and ministers in act ▪ Shaktar consults Chanak – Protest against Dhana Nanda ▪ Chanak’s death ✓ The episode of firewood for cremation ▪ Vishnugupta heads to Takshashila ▪ Graduates and becomes a teacher at Takshashila

Source: Chanakya T. V. series (1991) directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi The University at Takshashila

▪ Oldest among universities in India ✓ Existed well before 1000 B.C. ✓ About 55 miles from Sindhu river (West of Rawalpindi) ▪ Recognized authorities on various subjects – Complete autonomy to the teacher ▪ Only higher education imparted – Students came from all over Bhaarata ▪ Highest level of education – Intellectual capital of India

Source: D G Apte, Universities in Ancient India Destined meeting of Chanakya and Chandragupta

▪ Chanakya arrives at Pataliputra for a Conference ▪ Is insulted by the king Dhana Nanda ▪ Legend 1: Game of King and his court (Raajakilam). Concept of unity among Janapadas demonstrated by Chandragupta ▪ Legend 2: The story about a captured spy ▪ Chanakya observes and is impressed ▪ Chandragupta follows his teacher to Takshashila

Source: Chanakya meets Chandragupta (Chanakya TV series) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FNDtLsMwfM The common “rift” between the states

▪ Ambhiraaja – ruler of Takshashila ✓ His son a greedy ruler ✓ Repeated conquests at the border with Kaikeya ▪ Kaikeya ✓ Paurava or Parvateshwara or (King) ✓ Much more powerful than Ambhi ▪ Ambhi was defeated by Paurava – The vast spy network of the Porus ▪ Internal fights between Maloi (Malawa) and Kshudraka “Ganarajyas”

Source: Portraits of a Nation – History of Ancient India Quick Recap of discussion till Dec 21st, 2018

▪ Chanakya born as early as around 16th century B.C. (puranic evidence) or 350 B.C. (colonial interpretation) ▪ Buddha’s timeline – 19th century B.C. ▪ Sneak peek at Bhaaratavarsha - The 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient India ▪ The science of historiography and biased interpretations of Indian history - “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter” ▪ The chronology of the Nandas and their unpopularity ▪ Destined meeting of Chanakya and Chandragupta ▪ A glimpse of the university at Takshashila Revisiting the time frame of Chandragupta

▪ William Jones (A philologist) suggested that Greek “Androkottos” is same as Chandragupta Maurya ▪ Primary reason why Chandragupta Maurya was considered a contemporary of Alexander – Around 325 B.C. ▪ The sheet anchor of Indian chronology ▪ Plutarch: “Androkottos, who was then but a youth, saw Alexander himself” ▪ Alexander’s companions – Nearchus, Onesicritus and Aristobulus. Megasthenes supplemented their work in Indika but his original work is lost. ▪ “Sandrocottus” has been mentioned by him in the Indika and has been identified with Chandragupta Maurya ▪ Strabo, Diodorus, Pliny, Arrian, Plutarch and Justinus give account of India based on Indika and other contemporary references Fragments from works of Diodorus on Indika

▪ “...there are usages observed by the Indians which contribute to prevent the occurrence of famine among them; for whereas among other nations it is usual, in the contests of war, to ravage the soil, and thus to reduce it to an uncultivated waste. Among the Indians, on the contrary, by whom husbandsmen are regarded as a class that is sacred and inviolable. The tillers of the soil, even when battle is raging in their neighborhood, are undisturbed by any sense of danger, for the combatants...allow those engaged in husbandry to remain quite unmolested.” ▪ “It is said that India, being of enormous size when taken as a whole, is peopled by races both numerous and diverse, of which not even one was originally of foreign descent, but all were evidently indigenous; and moreover that India neither received a colony from abroad, nor sent out a colony from abroad.”

Source: “The Lost Indika” by Sumedha Verma Ojha https://swarajyamag.com/culture/the-lost-indika Major evidence supporting an earlier timeframe

▪ Sandrocottus can also refer to Chandragupta of the Imperial Gupta dynasty – Samudragupta and Dattadevi ▪ Vikrama Samvat starts from 57 B.C. Refers to Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Shalivahana Shaka era commonly used in south India started in 78 C.E. ▪ Puranas account of Girivraja rather than Pataliputra for Magadha dynasty ▪ Timeline of Buddha and Adi Shankara ▪ No references to Chanakya in Greek works ▪ Buddhist and Jain references do not discuss anything about Greeks ▪ The severe famine which occurred in Chandragupta Maurya’s time as compiled by Jain works Sandrocottus – Probably refers to Chandragupta I of the Imperial Gupta dynasty ▪ Marriage alliance with Seleucus Niktator ✓ After defeat of the Greek Shatraf by Chandragupta, Seleucus gave his daughter in marriage to Samudragupta (probably) and not Chandragupta Maurya ✓ Samudragupta was married to Dattadevi. The first part of the name “Datta” means “given”, as in given due to defeat in war ▪ Predecessor and Successor of Sandrakottus according to Greek writers - Phonetics ✓ Predecessor was Xandrames might refer to Chandrashri of Andhra dynasty ✓ Successor was Amitrochates or “Amitrochchheta” (in Sanskrit – mower of enemies) or “Sarvarajochchhetta” given to Samudragupta by his successors ▪ Retainment of family name “Gupta” as quoted by Megasthenes and Arrian and even compiled by European authors Source: “Who was Sandrokottos? Chandragupta Maurya or Chandragupta-I of Imperial Gupta Dynasty?” by Dr. Raja Ram Mohan Roy http://indiafacts.org/who-was-sandrokottos-chandragupta-maurya-or-chandragupta-i-of-imperial-gupta-dynasty/ About Vikrama Samvat and Shalivahana Shaka

▪ Vikrama Samvat which is followed in North India, uses the Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s era (or his death year) as the start of Vikrama Samvat which is 57 B.C. ✓ Vikramaditya comes after the Maha Gupta dynasty – Rules from Ujjain ✓ Kalidasa, Varahamihira, etc. 9 gems of Vikramaditya’s court ▪ Vikramaditya was considered one of the greatest kings of ancient India. Modern historians have denied his very existence or placed him much later around 4th century C.E. ▪ Shalivahana Shaka starts from 78 C.E. and is named after king Shalivahana . Vikramaditya was the 8th and Shalivahana was the 11th king of the Panwar dynasty. ▪ Both Vikramaditya and Shalivahana have been known for ousting the Shakas (who ruled parts of North-western India) and their empires extended from Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Source: “The Historicity of Vikramaditya & Salivahana” by Pandit K. Venkatachalam Today’s calendar – Vikrama Samvat & Shalivahana Shaka

▪ Oral traditions handed down from age to age throughout the length and breadth of Bhaarata Puranas account of Girivraja/Rajagruha

▪ Right from Jarasandha’s rule the capital has been Girivraja ▪ Brihadratha, Pradyota, Sisunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Sunga, Kanva and Andhra (Shatavahana) dynasties ruled over Magadha chronologically ▪ Puranas always mentioned Girivraja and not Pataliputra up until Chandragupta of the Gupta dynasty killed the last emperor Shatavahanas and shifted the capital to Pataliputra. ▪ Magadha gradually disintegrated after this and Girivraja lost its importance ▪ Megasthanese was probably in the court of Samudragupta since he clearly states Pataliputra in his accounts ▪ Except for “Mudra ” by Vishakhadutta – Claims Pataliputra as the capital of Maurya but it was written in 6th century AD and it is a play

Source: “The Plot in Indian Chronology” by Pandit K. Venkatachalam Timeline of Buddha

▪ According to Indian/Puranic account – Buddha was born in the year 1887 B.C. ▪ William Jones ✓ Initially claimed that Buddha was born in 1027 B.C. based on Chinese sources ✓ Later on, with the identification of Sandrakottos, pushed the birth date even later to 567 B.C. ✓ Modern historians take Sri Lankan texts which support this timeline – Goes against common sense to do so ▪ Force fitting the theory of Aryan Invasion in between

Source: “Force-fitting of evidence in the making of Indian History” by Dr. Raja Ram Mohan Roy “The Plot in Indian Chronology” by Pandit K. Venkatachalam Harappan site of Rakhigarhi: DNA study finds no Central Asian trace, junks Aryan invasion theory Timeline of Adi Shankara

▪ Shankaracharya’s birth year is 509 B.C. British historians have claimed him to be in the 8th century C.E. ✓ Primarily because Shankaracharya cannot be a contemporary of Buddha ▪ However, Govardhana peetha and Kanchi peetha have recorded the lineage and both claim the birth year to be 509 B.C. More than 70 pontiffs ▪ Other contradictory evidence: ✓ Christianity is known to have arrived and well established by 6th century AD in Kerala ✓ In 8th AD century, Buddhism was already weak in India ✓ Kashmir temple of Shankaracharya – Kashmir king Gopaditya 4th century B.C.

Source: “Force-fitting of evidence in the making of Indian History” by Dr. Raja Ram Mohan Roy Other evidences supporting an earlier timeframe

▪ No references to Chanakya in Greek works ✓ All 3 texts – Puranic, Buddhist and Jain texts talk about Chanakya ✓ No mention of any such mentor in Greek texts is hard to explain ▪ Buddhist and Jain references do not discuss anything about Greeks ✓ They discuss in great details about Nandas and Mauryas ✓ No mention of the Greeks ▪ The severe famine which occurred in Chandragupta Maurya’s time as compiled by Jain works ✓ Megasthenes or his contemporaries do not talk about such a famine Puranic Chronology

Source: “The Plot in Indian Chronology” by Pandit K. Venkatachalam Puranic Chronology

Source: “The Plot in Indian Chronology” by Pandit K. Venkatachalam Quick Recap of discussion till Jan 14th, 2019

▪ Chanakya born as early as around 16th century B.C. (puranic evidence) or 350 B.C. (colonial interpretation) ▪ Ancient India – Its length and breadth ▪ Greek accounts on India ▪ The so-called sheet anchor of Indian chronology and contrary evidence ▪ Revisiting the Indian Chronology and possible timeline of Chandragupta Maurya ✓ Mahabhaarata – 3138 BC ✓ Buddha’s Birth – 1887 BC ✓ Chandragupta Maurya coronation – 1534 BC ✓ Adi Shankara’s birth – 509 BC ✓ Chandragupta (Gupta dynasty) – 328 BC ✓ Alexander’s “invasion” – 327 BC ✓ Vikrama Samvat – 57 BC Observations on Alexander’s “invasion”

▪ Most likely the contemporary of the Chandragupta of the Imperial Gupta dynasty ▪ Alexander – A Macedonian indeed led a remarkable army (Up to 120,000 fighting men in his army) ▪ Alexander’s father – Philip II King of Macedonia began the expansionist policy – Greeks considered Macedonians as barbaric ▪ Egypt (under Persian rule) greeted Alexander as a liberator ▪ Continued onto Persia – plundered wealthy cities. Got his own general “Parmenion” killed on false pretense ▪ Extensively damaged the temples of Persians ▪ In 330 BC his army was in central Asia (Bactria or Afghanistan) and eventually reached the plains of Punjab in 327 BC ▪ Greeks knew about India long before Alexander – Pythagoras possibly visited (studied in) India as well (570 to 495 BC)

Source: “Porus’ defeat of Alexander at the Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum)” by Dr. N. S. Rajaram Alexander’s path

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/ Alexander’s campaign in India

▪ Hostility of Ambhi towards Paurava (Porus) and his surrender to Alexander ▪ Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum) – He faced Porus. ▪ Greek claims which were strongly adopted British compilers of Indian history: ✓ Alexander defeated Porus – Army and his abilities ✓ Was impressed by the valor of Porus and made his a Satraph – “Treat me like a king” ✓ His army was tired and mutinied against him ✓ Unable to proceed further, he retreated. Greek account of the aftermath

▪ Greek accounts: ✓ Plutarch says about the mutiny as follows: “The combat with Porus took the edge off the Macedonians’ courage, and stayed their further progress into India. For having found it hard enough to defeat an enemy who brought but 20,000 foot and 2000 horse into the field, they thought they had reason to oppose Alexander’s design of leading them on to pass the Ganges, on the further side of which was covered with multitudes of enemies” ✓ Plutarch writes that “The king of Gangaridai (Ganges delta) were waiting for Alexander with an army of eighty thousand horses, two hundred thousand soldiers, eight thousand chariots and six thousand fighting elephants” ✓ According to Arrian, “When they met, Alexander reined in his horse and looked at his adversary (Porus) with admiration. He was a magnificent figure of a man, over seven feet high and of great personal beauty; his bearing had lost none of its pride; his air was of one brave man meeting another, of a king in the presence of a king with whom he had fought honorably for his kingdom” Authenticity of Alexander’s victory? – A truce

▪ After suffering severe casualties from Porus’ army, return of kingdom back to Porus highly unlikely ▪ When Alexander met Porus after the battle, he is reported to have asked him how he wanted to be treated. Porus replied: “Like a king.” If there was anything else he wanted for himself, Alexander said, he only had to ask. “Everything is included in that,” Porus said ▪ Alexander not only offered to Porus to govern his own kingdom as satrap under himself but gave him also the additional territory of various independent tribes whom he had subdued. ▪ Probable scenario – A truce which Porus accepted (It was very common among Indian kings to do so)

Source: “Alexander vs Porus: Beyond the fog of war” by R K Simha The inglorious retreat

▪ With a non-cooperative army, retreating the same way would have been preferable ▪ Malawa and Kshudrakas were waiting to with a large army for the retreat of Alexander ▪ Why prefer a path through desert? ▪ Names of cities – Bucephala and Nicaea (on the western banks of Indus)

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia Relatively large time for very short distance

▪ Took much longer to cover very little of India – Speaks of the resistance that was offered here ▪ Alexander took almost two years to cover this area, which is proportionately a longer time for a lesser space than in his other campaigns, and the battles fought were as dangerous, as glorious, as full of bravery and adventure.

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia “Invasion” is more of an “Exaggeration”

▪ Alexander’s troops primarily remained west of Indus river and never beyond that ▪ The entire Greek period was not more than 5 years – Almost all the remaining Satraps were either killed by locals or the Gupta kings (Chandragupta/Samudragupta) ▪ No significant architectural or cultural impact – Alexander’s name is not even found in Indian literature ▪ Compared to later unfortunate periods of Mughals and even British ▪ Gregory Zhukov’s comments Quick Recap of discussion till Jan 20th, 2019

▪ Chanakya born as early as around 16th century B.C. (puranic evidence) and probably not 350 B.C. (colonial interpretation) ▪ Revisiting the Indian Chronology and possible timeline of Chandragupta Maurya ✓ Mahabhaarata – 3138 BC ✓ Buddha’s Birth – 1887 BC ✓ Chandragupta Maurya coronation – 1534 BC ✓ Adi Shankara’s birth – 509 BC ✓ Chandragupta (Gupta dynasty) – 328 BC ✓ Alexander’s “invasion” – 327 BC ✓ Vikrama Samvat – 57 BC ▪ Alexander’s “so called invasion” is more likely a “failed campaign” ✓ Evidences suggesting a different aftermath for Battle of Hydaspes ✓ Path traced by Alexander – Before and After India campaign ✓ Greek accounts, Zhukov’s statements and length of impact Background of Chandragupta Maurya

▪ Evidence 1: Puranic account ✓ Mainly is concerned about the origin of Nandas ✓ One interpretation suggests he was a son of Mura, one of the wives of Mahapadma Nanda and therefore Maurya ✓ KSN’s interpretation and the killing of the Maurya clan ▪ Evidence 2: Mudra Rakshasa ✓ Commonly referred to as Vrushala and Kulaheena ▪ Evidence 3: Ceylonese Buddhist and Jain accounts ✓ Moriyas or Mayuras – Peacock tamers clan but

originally Kshatriyas A modern statue depicting Chandragupta Maurya, Laxminarayan Temple, Chandragupta Maurya – His teacher and education

▪ Chanakya’s destined meeting with Chandragupta (Raajakilam) ✓ The incident of paying 1000 Karshaarpanas to foster-father ✓ Mainly from Jatakas ▪ Education at Takshashila ✓ About 8 years ✓ Studied Vedas ✓ Skills needed for a ruler ✓ Law, medicine and military science were also offered at Takshashila ▪ Insult of scholars and students at the grand conference by king Dhanananda – Chanakya confronts him and pledges revenge ▪ However, the real reason might be the dethronement of a corrupt king and his administration

Source: “Chandragupta Maurya and his times” by R.K. Mookerji Formation of Chandragupta’s army

▪ Buddhist works (keywords) suggest that ✓ Chanakya and Chandragupta set out for collecting army recruits ✓ Recruits were placed by Chanakya under the command of Chandragupta ✓ Nucleus of the force was in Punjab province – Arattas or Arashtrakas ▪ Mahabharata’s references to Panchanadas (land of five rivers) and Vahikas (people of the land of rivers) ▪ Panini talks about self-governing communities of warriors ▪ Defeating the Nandas was not easy without an Army

Image Source: Portraits of a Nation – History of Ancient India

Source: “Chandragupta Maurya and his times” by R.K. Mookerji Excerpts from early historians – Linking to Greeks

▪ With a possibly flawed identification of Chandragupta Maurya to be a contemporary of Alexander – Earlier historians talk about the army’s first role was to remove the remaining Satraps ▪ Based on Plutarch’s account – Even claimed that Sandrakottos had seen Alexander personally ▪ As a consequence ✓ Chanakya is believed to have encouraged a revolt against the Greeks ✓ Various provinces united to overthrow the remaining Greek Satraps ✓ Chandragupta the leader of this revolution ✓ Alliances with Porus and later marriage alliance with Seleucus ▪ Even if the Greek account might have stated the facts, they may equally apply to Chandragupta/Samudragupta of the Gupta dynasty Chanakya – Initiates plan to dethrone Nandas

▪ Indusharma (his friend) is sent as a Bauddha Sanyasi (Jeevasiddhi) to the court of Magadha – Gain confidence of Rakshasa ▪ Chandragupta continues to pursue alliances – Even with the king of Kashmir ▪ Chanakya arrives at Magadha and reconciles with his associates ▪ His first request ✓ To purchase a big chunk of land ✓ Build a Gurukula on that land ✓ He will pay for it in entirety

Sources: “ಆಚಾ샍ಯ ಚಾಣ响ಯ ” by K. S. Narayanacharya “Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Chanakya TV series Quick Recap of discussion till Feb 3rd, 2019

▪ Quick overview of the ancient Bhaaratavarsha ▪ Chanakya born as early as around 16th century B.C. (puranic evidence) and probably not 350 B.C. (colonial interpretation) ▪ Revisiting the ancient Indian Chronology and possible timeline of Chandragupta Maurya ✓ Mahabhaarata – 3138 BC ✓ Buddha’s Birth – 1887 BC ✓ Chandragupta Maurya coronation – 1534 BC ✓ Adi Shankara’s birth – 509 BC ✓ Chandragupta (Gupta dynasty) – 328 BC ✓ Alexander’s “invasion” – 327 BC ✓ Vikrama Samvat – 57 BC ▪ Alexander’s “so called invasion” is more likely a “failed campaign” ✓ Evidences suggesting a different aftermath for Battle of Hydaspes ✓ Path traced by Alexander – Before and After India campaign ✓ Greek accounts, Zhukov’s statements and length of impact ▪ Background of Chandragupta ▪ Initiation of Chanakya’s plan to dethrone Nandas An episode of Magadha

▪ Corruption at different levels ✓ Army commander ✓ Cavalryman – The trade of horses ✓ Accountant ✓ King Dhanananda ▪ Continued departure of teachers from Magadha ✓ Advent and acceptance of Buddhism – Upaasaka and Upaasika ✓ The oppressed (due to ill-followed Brahmanism) found support and new direction – Started condemning the Vedic culture ✓ This created a segregation – And unfortunately it was based on rituals ✓ King milked this to further his own selfish agenda – By being partial towards the newer segment and further oppressing the Vedic system. The vicious cycle – Much like the current state politics ✓ Bauddha Bhikshu and the regular Gurukul student – Bhiksha ✓ Declining support towards Vedic shastras and karmas - Upaadhyaayas

Chanakya TV series – Specific link About the requested land for Gurukul

▪ Chanakya’s request to build a university like Takshashila in Magadha ▪ A teacher requesting a large piece of land causes turmoil ✓ Supported by Acharyas and the Minister (Varuchi) ✓ But puts the king and his supporters in puzzle – Including Rakshasa ▪ Brings the administration into crossroads ✓ King and Amaatya ✓ Prime Minister ✓ Chanakya and his associates ▪ Impact of unrest – Prime minister resigns from his post ▪ Chanakya’s reaction

Chanakya TV series The network of Spies

▪ Indusharma/Jeevasiddhi – Chanakya’s friend in disguise as a Buddhist monk who gains confidence of Amaatya Rakshasa ▪ Bhagurayana – An agent of Chanakya and a supposed friend of Malayaketu ▪ Nipunaka – Chanakya’s spy stationed in Magadha ▪ Jirnavisha/Viradhagupta – Spy of Amaatya Rakshasa ▪ The spy network was and remains a critical aspect of many successful kingdoms or democracies

Sources: “ಆಚಾ샍ಯ ಚಾಣ响ಯ ” by K. S. Narayanacharya “Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Chanakya TV series Indraprastha and Magadha

▪ Right from the times of Mahabharata – Rivalry existed ▪ Mahapadma Nanda – Defeated and brought Indraprastha under Magadha rule ▪ Indraverma – The current ruler wanted to regain his authority over the region ▪ Not influenced by Buddhism – Possibly due to geographical separation ▪ Chanakya – Causes a conflict

Source: A Historical atlas of South Asia

Sources: “ಆಚಾ샍ಯ ಚಾಣ响ಯ ” by K. S. Narayanacharya The forces of Chandragupta

▪ Sakas, Yavanas, Kiratas, Arashtrakas, Kambojas, Parasikas, Bahlikas and others - Paurava ▪ Even includes Kashmir and Nepal ▪ Movement of such a large army towards Magadha – Maintenance of secrecy ▪ And the diversity of forces – Seems like a major coalition before and after the defeat of Nandas ▪ Conspiracy against the commander in chief

Sources: “ಆಚಾ샍ಯ ಚಾಣ响ಯ ” by K. S. Narayanacharya “Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Chanakya TV series Storyline for the defeat of Nandas – 1

▪ From Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s show ✓ Internal conspiracies and conflicts – Prince, Commander, Minister, etc. ✓ Dissatisfaction among the teachers in Gurukul ✓ Rumors regarding a coup against the current administration ✓ Turmoil and taking sides ✓ Chandragupta’s army proceeding in from Nepal ✓ Meanwhile confidants of Chanakya are already settling in at Magadha – Infiltrate in various roles (Simharan, Akshay, Sharangrav, etc.) ✓ Kasi and Kosala – Treating this as an opportunity ✓ Demands of Chandragupta’s alliance ▪ Clearly emphasizes the concept of a unified Bhaaratavarsha as the main driving force behind Chanakya’s actions

Chanakya TV series – Specific link Storyline for the defeat of Nandas – 2

▪ From Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s show ✓ Commander in chief of Nanda Army – Forced to allow Chandragupta ✓ Fight between different groups of Nanda Army (Bhadrashala and Balagupta) ✓ Both sons of Dhanananda get murdered ✓ Dhanananda – Leaves Pataliputra (With no army on his side) ✓ Chanakya takes over the position of Amatya • Appoints a commander in chief for the army • Chandragupta’s army take control over the internal war • Rakshasa escapes from Pataliputra ✓ Rakshasa enlists his spies and contacts to seek revenge. Leaves Magadha and joins the camp of Malayaketu ✓ Taking control over Magadha and its people – A tough task Storyline for the defeat of Nandas – 3

▪ From K. S. Narayanacharya’s book ✓ Showcases the intelligence of Chanakya who carefully ensures that none of the allies of Magadha come to their help during war – Through messengers and letters ✓ Magadha attacked from different sides. Kaamarupa and Kalinga ✓ With no allies to help prevent the advancement of enemy – Nandas decide to hold their capital. Send only portions of army to fight ✓ Indravarma and Parvata – Major kings in Chandragupta’s army. Indravarma gets killed by Rakshasa ✓ The Nava Nandas are described as irresponsible rulers – Assassinated by Chandragupta and his army in disguise

Sources: “ಆಚಾ샍ಯ ಚಾಣ响ಯ ” by K. S. Narayanacharya Quick Recap of discussion till Feb 25th, 2019

▪ Quick overview of the ancient Bhaaratavarsha ▪ Revisiting the ancient Indian Chronology and possible timeline of Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya ▪ Alexander’s “so called invasion” is more likely a “failed campaign” ▪ Chandragupta’s army – Secrecy ▪ An episode in Magadha and the defeat of Nandas ▪ Mudra Rakshasa The Mudra Rakshasa (The signet ring) – A play

▪ After establishing Chandragupta as the king of Magadha, Chanakya’s next role was to make his throne secure ✓ Public support ✓ Army support ✓ Trustworthy cabinet ▪ Chanakya’s solution was to reinstate Rakshasa as the Amatya ▪ Mudra Rakshasa’s storyline captures this process ✓ A politics centered drama – Depicted using 7 acts ✓ Poetic verses and depictions ✓ Definitely based on historical events – Not all characters may be real ✓ Very beautifully written and worth a read

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Various characters of Mudra Rakshasa

▪ Chandragupta – King of Magadha ▪ Chanakya/Kautilya – Minister and teacher of Chandragupta ▪ Jivasiddhi/Kshapanaka – Indusharma, a friend of Chanakya in disguise as a Buddhist monk ▪ Bhagurayana – Agent of Chanakya and supposed friend of Malayaketu’s father ▪ Siddhartaka and Samruddhartaka – Agents of Chanakya ▪ Malayaketu – Prince of Parvatadesha and the leader of the enemy camp ▪ Amatya Rakshasa ▪ Chandanadasa – A close friend of Rakshasa. He provides a safe residence for Rakshasa’s family ▪ Sakatadasa – A friend and secretary of Rakshasa

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 1

▪ There enters Chanakya, touching the lock of hair on the head in anger Ah ! Who is this that seeks to assail Chandragupta inspite of me? Which person, doomed to die, does not wish the lock of hair on my head being tied up even now, which forms the black curling wreath of smoke of the fire of my anger and has been the fatal female cobra to the Nanda family?

Though the extreme vow has (already) been fulfilled by me, still wield the sword for the sake of Vrishala. (Otherwise), — As is well-known, I have uprooted the Nine Nandas from the soil, who were like barbs (rankling) in the heart ; and have firmly established the sovereignty in the person of the Maurya like the lotus plant in a lake.

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 1

▪ Chanakya lists the political game plan ✓ Rumour of Rakshasa killing Parvata after misguiding his son Malayaketu ✓ Moreover, with a desire to know the loyal and the disaffected on our side and on that of the enemy I have employed spies in various guises who know how to personate people of different localities, different dialects, different customs and different costumes ✓ Turned his confidants into seeming malcontents ✓ I have further appointed as personal attendants of the king trusted persons whose loyalty is proof to temptation, that are ever vigilant to counteract the evil doings of assassins, poisoners and others. ✓ Indusharma/Jeevasiddhi ✓ Chandanadasa and Rakshasa’s family ✓ Jewelry of king Parvata ✓ Escape of Sakatadasa and Siddharthaka

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 2

▪ Viradhagupta — ✓ Here do I narrate them The forces of Chandragupta and Parvatesvara, composed of Sakas, Yavanas, Kiratas, Kambojas, Parasikas, Balhikas and others led by the counsels of Chanakya, looking like seas with waters in commotion, at the tune of universal destruction, invest Kusumapura on all sides. ✓ Narrates the failures of Rakshasa’s plans to assassinate Chandragupta • Daruvarman the carpenter • Barbaraka the driver • Abhayadatta the physician ▪ Rakshasa (sadly) — ✓ How sad here, too, Fate has thwarted us. Well, what is the news of Bibhatsaka and his associates employed by us to murder Chandragupta in bed, who dwelt in the interior of the wall of the sleeping mansion, having got in there by the underground passage? ▪ Sakatadasa and Siddharthaka arrive in Malayaketu/Rakshasa’s camp

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 3

▪ Chandragupta — ✓ Inquires about the Kaumudi festival (Autumn festival) which Chanakya reprimanded ▪ Vrishala! Authors of works on politics speak of three forms of Government in this world, that conducted by the king i.e. autocratic, that conducted by the minister i.e. ministerial and that conducted by them both i.e. joint. Of these yours in ministerial government. ▪ Describes the actions taken against the conspirators, dissatisfied subjects and the previous cabinet members

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 4

▪ Malayaketu — ✓ Friend Bhagurayana, Bhadrabhata and others coming over to us, begged me to understand that they sought service under me through my commander-in- chief Sikharasena and not through Minister Rakshasa, as I was the proper person to be served on account of my qualities. ▪ Bhagurayana — ✓ Yes, it is so, Rakshasa bears enmity Chanakya, not to Chandragupta. So it may happen that Chandragupta, growing intolerant of Chanakya elated with success, may remove him from the minister's post, and that His Excellency Rakshasa may then seek alliance with him out of his love for the Nanda family, as he is the scion of that family, and out of his regard for his friends. In that event they (in case they entered your service through Minister Rakshasa) may forfeit your Highness's confidence.

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 4

▪ Convincing Malayaketu to commence his forces to attack Chandragupta ✓ It is no other than the ministerial weak point. Chandragupta is alienated from Chanakya

✓ Noble Minister, It is not so. The failing of Chanakya only caused ill-feeling among the subjects of Chandragupta. Since he is removed, those who loved Chandragupta before, will now love him even more.

✓ No, not so. There are two classes of subjects, other who championed Chandragupta and those devotedly attached to the Nanda family. Now the failings of Chanakya, evoke the ill-feeling of those who championed Chandragupta, not of those devotedly attached to the Nanda family. As to these, they are affected by ill-feeling and anger against Chandragupta, since he has ungratefully extirpated the family of Nanda, that is the family of his father. Not finding a worthy master, they follow Chandragupta. Now they have you, an invader whose power to extirpate the foe is admitted on all hands. So they will soon forsake him and come over to your worthy self. Here you have my own instance

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 5

▪ To himself — How strangely changeful is the policy of revered Chanakya. ✓ I wonder at the ways of a statesman that are myriad-shaped, like the ways of Fate. Accordingly as it suits the purpose, these ways at times are such as can just be comprehended, at times they are too intricate to follow, at times they are displayed in all their magnitude, and at times they shrink to a vanishing point; at times their very clue is lost and at times they present their goal in all its vastness.

▪ Sowing the seed of hatred in Malayaketu (who eavesdrops on this entire conversation), Jeevasiddhi says: ✓ When I formerly lived in Pataliputra, I made friends with Rakshasa, as my ill-luck would have it. Meanwhile Rakshasa secretly employed the poison-maid and killed His Majesty Parvateshvara. Then taking me to be the murderer, because I happened to be a friend of Rakshasa, cursed Chanakya banished me from the capital with disgrace Now, too, Rakshasa, clever in all sorts of political games, proposes to do something which would banish me from the world of the living.

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 5

✓ The foul deed was committed, not by Rakshasa but by cursed Chanakya, who was unwilling to give him half the kingdom promised to him. This is what we have heard.

✓ May Lord Buddha absolve us of sin? Even the name of the poisonous-maid had not come to the ears of Chanakya.

✓ Please Your Highness! The distinction of friends, foes, and neutrals m the case of persons that have to do with politics, depends upon political motives, and not on personal inclinations as is the case with ordinary people. Now at that time His majesty Parvateshvara of auspicious name, was politically the sole obstacle in the way of Rakshasa wishing to restore Sarvarthasiddhi; for he was stronger than Chandragupta, The great adversary of Rakshasa, therefore, was king Parvateshvara. On that account, he acted towards His Majesty in this way. Under the circumstances I do not see anything like enormous guilt in this deed. So you should not reprove Rakshasa for this, but should keep him well-disposed till you get possession of the empire of Nanda. After that the Prince is at liberty to retain or to dismiss him.

✓ I agree with you, friend ! You are right. For the execution of the Minister will cause (much) unrest among the other members of the political body, and eventually our success may be jeopardized.

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 5

▪ This is followed by the “tricksy” letter which Siddharthaka willfully shows to Malayaketu and also tells him the oral message which describes the treachery organized by Chanakya against Malayaketu ▪ This tricksy letter contains the seal of the signet ring of Rakshasa ▪ Many other circumstantial evidences force Rakshasa with no choice other than pleading guilty ▪ Gets ousted from the camp of Malayaketu who also orders the so called treacherous subordinate kings to be murdered

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 6

▪ Siddhartaka explains to Samriddharthaka ✓ Friend, Is there anything that you may not hear ? Just listen to me. Cursed - Malayaketu, led astray by the political tactics of Revered Chanakya, turned out Rakshasa and forthwith put to death the five eminent Mlechchha chiefs, Chitravarman and others. Then the rest, seeing that he was thoughtless and brutal, left the camp of Malayaketu for their own safety and returned to their respective territories with their forces which were seized with (sudden) fear and were impatient to go. Thereupon, Bhadrabhata, Purudatta, Dingarata, Balagupta, Rajasena, Bhagurayana, Rohitaksha and Vrjayavarman took Malayaketu captive ▪ Followed by this, Chandanadasa’s execution message is willfully conveyed to Rakshasa by the agents of Chanakya. Rakshasa ia then forced to turn towards Magadha, as he attempts to save his friend’s life

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Excerpts from Mudra Rakshasa – Act 7

▪ Rakshasa arrives at the place of execution and tries to stop it. ✓ Minister Rakshasa ! This man here is not a Chaandala, he is a servant of the king. His name is Siddhartaka. You know him. It was he who, in the garb of friendship got, that fictitious letter written by Sakatadasa who, poor fellow, knew nothing about it. The other man there is also a servant of the king, his name is Samriddhartaka. ✓ To make a long story short, those malcontents headed by Bhadrabhata, that fabricated letter, that rescuer Siddhartaka, those three ornaments on sale, that Kshapanaka, friend of yours, that woe-be-gone person of the weedgrown garden, and that terrible persecution of the headman of the guild of lapidaries, all this was devised by the Vrishala longing to meet you, brave man!

“Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva Quick Recap of discussion till Mar 11th, 2019

▪ Extent of the ancient Bhaaratavarsha around the period of Mauryan empire ▪ Possible chronology of the Magadha empire and India - Revisiting the timeline of Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya (Possible reasons for a much earlier time frame rather than the generally accepted timeline of around 3rd century BC) ▪ The Alexander's "so called" Indian invasion and the Greek accounts on India ▪ Story line of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya dethroning the Nanda kingdom ▪ A descriptive account of - An ancient Sanskrit play written on the aftermath of defeat of Nandas Kautilya’s Arthashastra

▪ An extensive treatise written in Sanskrit by Kautilya Chanakya on economics, governance, law and administration, warfare, expansion of kingdom, life discipline and so on…… ▪ Written as a set of 15 books with multiple chapters in each book ▪ Originally found by Rudrapatna Shamashastry – from the village Rudrapatna on the banks of Kaveri. He was a Sanskrit scholar and a librarian at Govt. Oriental Library in Mysore. He discovered Arthashastra among a heap of manuscripts and translated them to English in 1915. ▪ The Kautilya Arthashastra (3 volumes) – Extensive compilation and translation with description by R. P. Kangle ▪ AIR program – Wisdom of India (Arthashastra) – “Gaupya Shastra” ▪ We will approach it as follows: ✓ Look at the important concepts as it is ✓ Understand and correlate them with recent historical events in Indian and world history ✓ Relevance in today’s world ▪ This Sástra has been made by him who from intolerance (of misrule) quickly rescued the scriptures and the science of weapons and the earth which had passed to the Nanda king. A portrait of R. Shamashastry Book I (Concerning discipline – विनयाविकारिकं ) – The Sciences ▪ Kautilya classifies the fields of study to be of 4 categories ✓ Anvikshiki – Sankhya, Yoga and Lokayata ✓ Vedas (धर्म अधर्म ) – Sama, Rik and Yajus. Additional Atharva and Itihaasa ✓ Vaarta – Agriculture, cattle breeding and trade ✓ Dandaniti (न्यायान्याय ) – Science of governing ▪ Compares this with other schools of Philosophy – Manu, Brihaspati and Usana ▪ Describes the 4 varnas and 4 ashramas - Varnas are based on karma and ashramas based on order ▪ Highlights the concept of Svadharma (स्वधर्म)

chātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛiṣhṭaṁ guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśhaḥ | tasya kartāram api māṁ viddhyakartāram avyayam || Gita 4 - 13 विनयाधिकारिकं – The Sciences

▪ A king utilizes the income generated from Vaarta for governing and expansion ▪ Dandaniti – The law of punishment. King holds the “दण्ड” – Scepter ▪ मत्स्य न्याय – The law of fishes ▪ Kautilya says – For whoever imposes severe punishment becomes repulsive to the people; while who awards mild punishment becomes contemptible. But whoever imposes punishment as deserved becomes respectable. For punishment when awarded with due consideration, makes the people devoted to righteousness and to works productive of wealth and enjoyment; while punishment, when ill-awarded under the influence of greed and anger or owing to ignorance, excites fury even among hermits and ascetics dwelling in forests, not to speak of householders चातुिर्व ावश्रमो लोके िाज्ञा दण्डेन पाललतः | ्ििमव कमावलिितो ितवते ्िेषु ित्समसव ु || विनयाधिकारिकं – The King’s education/training

▪ Two fold discipline – Natural and Artificial. Qualities of a student who can be tamed by the study of sciences ▪ The prince shall engage in ✓ Post ceremony of tonsure, he will study the sciences under experienced teachers – always in the company of elderly ✓ Will observe celibacy till the age of 16 ✓ Engage in श्रिर् (hearing), मनन (review) and ननददध्यासन (completely understanding before applying it in practice) ▪ Control over the senses – The six fold enemies ✓ Examples of Duryodhana, Ravana, etc. ✓ Thus with his organs of sense under his control, he shall keep away from hurting the women and property of others; avoid not only lustfulness, even in dream, but also falsehood, haughtiness, and evil proclivities; and keep away from unrighteous and uneconomical transactions ✓ The three pursuits of life – (िमव अर्व काम) अर्व एि प्रिान इनत कौदि쥍यः | अर्मव ूलौ ही िमवकामाविनत || विनयाधिकारिकं – अमात्सयोत्सपवतः – Appointment of ministers

"The King," says Bháradvája, "shall employ his classmates as his ministers; for they can be trusted by him inasmuch as he has personal knowledge of their honesty and capacity.” “No,” says Visáláksha, "for, as they have been his playmates as well, they would despise him. But he shall employ as ministers those whose secrets, possessed of in common, are well known to him. Possessed of habits and defects in common with the king, they would never hurt him lest he would betray their secrets." “Common is this fear,” says Parásara, “for under the fear of betrayal of his own secrets, the king may also follow them in their good and bad acts. Under the control of as many persons as are made aware by the king of his own secrets, might he place himself in all humility by that disclosure. Hence he shall employ as ministers those who have proved faithful to him under difficulties fatal to life and are of tried devotion.” "No,” says Pisuna, “for this is devotion, but not intelligence. He shall appoint as ministers those who, when employed as financial matters, show as much as, or more than, the fixed revenue, and are thus of tried ability.” "No," says Kaunapadanta, "for such persons are devoid of other ministerial qualifications; he shall, therefore, employ as ministers those whose fathers and grandfathers had been ministers before; such persons, in virtue of their knowledge of past events and of an established relationship with the king, will, though offended, never desert him; for such faithfulness is seen even among dumb animals; cows, for example, stand aside from strange cows and ever keep company with accustomed herds." "No," says Vátavyádhi, "for such persons, having acquired complete dominion over the king, begin to play themselves as the king. Hence he shall employ as ministers such new persons as are proficient in the science of polity. It is such new persons who will regard the king as the real scepter-bearer and dare not offend him." "No," says the son of Báhudantí; "for a man possessed of only theoretical knowledge and having no experience of practical politics is likely to commit serious blunders when engaged in actual works. Hence he shall employ as ministers such as are born of high family and possessed of wisdom, purity of purpose, bravery and loyal feelings inasmuch as ministerial appointments shall purely depend on qualifications." "This," says Kautilya, "is satisfactory in all respects; for a man's ability is inferred from his capacity shown in work. And in accordance with their working ability. By suitably distributing rank among ministers and assigning them the place, time and work, he should appoint them as ministers and not councilors. विनयाधिकारिकं – मन्त्न्िपुिोदहतोत्सपवतः – Appointment of PM + Advisor

▪ Native, of easy to verify origin, influential, well trained in arts, possessed of foresight, wise, of strong memory, bold, eloquent, skillful, intelligent, possessed of enthusiasm, dignity, and endurance, pure in character, affable, firm in loyal devotion, endowed with excellent conduct, strength, health and bravery, free from procrastination and fickle-mindedness, affectionate, and free from such qualities as excite hatred and enmity - these are the qualifications of a Prime minister or councilor. ▪ Him whose family and character are highly spoken of, who is well educated in the Vedás and the six Angás, is skillful in reading portents providential or accidental, is well versed in the science of government, and who is obedient and who can prevent calamities providential or human by performing such expiatory rites as are prescribed in the Atharvaveda, the king shall employ as high priest or advisor. ब्राह्मर्ेनैधितम ्क्षिं मन्त्न्िमन्िालिमन्त्न्ितं | जयत्सयन्त्जतमत्सयन्तं शा्िानुगमशान्त््ितं || ▪ Sabotage proofing – ascertaining integrity of the ministers and chose their department ✓ Religious – Civil and judiciary offices ✓ Monetary – Revenue collector and Director of stores ✓ Lust – Recreation inside and outside palace ✓ Fear – Service to the king ✓ All – Prime ministers ✓ One or more – Mines, forests and factories A comparison with the SPG for Indian PM

▪ Special Protection Group (SPG) ✓ Came into existence after the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984/85 ✓ Members are from Central armed forces (CAF) or the Railway protection force (RPF) ✓ Thoroughly vetted and background checked ✓ Training imparted in • Physical efficiency, • Marksmanship, • Anti-sabotage checks, • Communication, etc. ✓ Relate this to the importance of a king’s protection – Especially during the period of Mauryas विनयाधिकारिकं – गूढपु셁शोत्सपवतः – The trusted network of spies

▪ Types of spies ✓ कापदिकः – Fraudulent disciple ✓ उदान्त््र्तः – Wondering monk/ascetic with disciples ✓ Seemingly depleted farmer and trader ✓ मुण्ड – जदिल – Hermits with shaved or braided hair. The so called “prophecy” ✓ असंबन्त्न्दनः – Orphans taught palmistry, magic and people skills ✓ तीक्ष्र्ः – Brave men and warriors ✓ िसदाः – No filial love left or cruel people are poisoner spies ✓ परिव्रान्त्जका: - Widows, poor women, ascetics, etc. are the wandering spies ▪ Reporting and co-existence ▪ Secrecy between Institution of espionage and the spy network ▪ Tasks of these spies: ✓ Ascertain public and private characters of the ministers ✓ Work under enemies to gain secrets ✓ Determine movement of enemies by being placed in forests and borders ✓ Determine foreign spies विनयाधिकारिकं – Keeping his own subjects in check (A short play)

Spies formed as opposing factions shall carry on disputations in places of pilgrimage, in assemblies, houses, corporations and, amid congregations of people. One spy may say:--

"This king is said to be endowed with all desirable qualities; he seems to be a stranger to such tendencies as would lead him to oppress citizens and country people by levying heavy fines and taxes."

Against those who seem to commend this opinion, another spy may interrupt the speaker and say:-

"People suffering from anarchy as illustrated by the proverbial tendency of a large fish swallowing a small one (mátsyanyáyábhibhútah prajáh), first elected Manu, the Vaivasvata, to be their king; and allotted one-sixth of the grains grown and one-tenth of merchandise as sovereign dues. Fed by this payment, kings took upon themselves the responsibility of maintaining the safety and security of their subjects (yogakshemavaháh), and of being answerable for the sins of their subjects when the principle of levying just punishments and taxes has been violated. Hence hermits, too, provide the king with one-sixth of the grains gleaned by them, thinking that it is a tax payable to him who protects us. It is the king in whom the duties of both Indra (the rewarder) and Yama (the punisher) are blended, and he is a visible dispenser of punishments and rewards; whoever disregards kings will be visited with divine punishments, too. Hence kings shall never be despised." विनयाधिकारिकं – The king’s council and regarding princes

▪ Compares the opinions of different earlier schools and gives his own assessment and opinion ✓ Consultation with 3 or 4 ministers ✓ Mantriparishad consists of as many ministers as required – Example of Indra with 1000 sages as his eyes ▪ The envoy – His actions against a respectful vs. hostile enemy. Gauging the enemy through various means ▪ Prince – His training and protection ✓ “There can be no greater crime or sin than making wicked impressions on an innocent mind” ✓ Should be taught righteousness and wealth – Spies to discourage ill actions ✓ Son with righteousness – Or daughter, or other kinsmen or a virtuous neighbor prince should be appointed as the heir to the throne – Not an undisciplined only child विनयाधिकारिकं – िाजप्रणर्ददः – Rules for the king

▪ The king shall divide both the day and the night into eight nálikas (1½ hours), or according to the length of the shadow (cast by a gnomon standing in the sun): the shadow of three paurushás (36 angulás or inches), of one paurushá (12 inches), of four angulás (4 inches), and absence of shadow denoting midday are the four one-eighth divisions of the forenoon; like divisions (in the reverse order) in the afternoon.

Day time Night time 1 Defense, income and expenditure Interview secret agents 2 Citizen affairs Bath, meals and study 3 Bath, meals and study Rest 4 Receive revenue and assign tasks to HODs Rest 5 Consult council of ministers and spies Rest 6 Recreation and pleasure Wake up and revisit teachings of sciences 7 Review his army and weapons Consultation with council of ministers and dispatch agents 8 Deliberate military plans Blessings from priest, see physician and so on. Identification and treatment of enemy spies

▪ Spies of the enemy should be found out by own spies of the same type – constant scouting ▪ Specifically appointed roving spies for enemy spy identification ▪ After capture of enemy spy ✓ Group of enraged ✓ Group of frightened ✓ Group of greedy ✓ Group of proud ▪ Instigating the enemy spies using internal spies using tests and later seducing them and employing them if they seem fit Book 2 – अध्यक्षप्रचािः (Head of Departments) – जनपदननिेशः (Formation of village) ▪ New settlements/villages regulated by king – Foreign people and overflow population – Clearly defined boundaries ▪ Minimum of 100 families and maximum of 500 families ▪ Allotment of land for agriculture ✓ To ones learned in Vedas (teachers and priests) and exempt them from taxes ✓ To tax payers – lands suitable for agriculture for life ✓ Take away fields from those who do not till them ▪ The king should favor tax-paying farmers with grains, cattle and money as long as the exemptions would in-turn cause increase to his treasury and not its depletion अ쥍पकोशो दह िाजा पौिजानपदानेि ग्रसते | ▪ He should also ensure: ✓ Irrigation built with natural water sources and ✓ Establishment of trade routes (water and land) and ports ✓ Protection of agriculturists from oppression ▪ Critical analysis – Farm loan waivers of the Karnataka State Govt. अध्यक्षप्रचािः – जनपदननिेशः (On Grihastha's renunciation)

▪ When a capable person neglects to provide for his children, wife, parents, minor brothers and sisters or widowed sisters, he will pay a fine of 12 panas ▪ A person who embraces asceticism without making provisions for the maintenance of his family members will be punished, also if he induces a woman to become an ascetic. Only a person who has lost his capacity for activity may renounce home after distributing properties acquired by him to his family members अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Allotment of non-agricultural land

▪ Allotment of land for ✓ Ascetics who study Vedas ✓ For cattle grazing ✓ Animal park for king’s recreation – Restricted set of animals (claws removed) ✓ Additional area for all other animals – Sanctuary ✓ Establish forests – Raw material for factories, construction, etc. ▪ Emphasis on elephants – Primarily for army and war ✓ Separate forest for elephants – well guarded ✓ Smugglers and slayers of elephant should be punished severely ✓ Officers and guards to study the movement of herds and maintain a record ✓ Elephant-trainers should specifically study and chose few for the army अध्यक्षप्रचािः – दगु व ििानं ि दगु नव निेशः (About Forts/city)

Other details: ▪ Very specific details on the exact locations, height, extent, material used and so on Huge moats (ditches) filled with ▪ Roads and connectivity inside and outside the fort water (always replenished) and ▪ Shapes of the gate, location of staircase, chambers for with lotus and crocodiles storage, etc. ▪ Details about the location of palace and the housing of various varnas ▪ Guest quarters, pharmacy, temples and deities, Thorny bushes and poisonous creepers planted

▪ On all 4 frontiers of the country, there should be forts: ✓ River/island fort, mountain fort, desert fort or a jungle fort ✓ First two used for protectors of the country and remaining for retreat during calamity ▪ Boundaries for householders inside the fort should be fixed based on their workshop size अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Collection of revenue (समाहताव)

▪ Major fields of revenue ✓ Fort (दगु )ं – Custom duties, passports, group of artisans, etc. ✓ Country (िाष्ट्रं) – Agricultural produce, sales, transportation, ports, etc. ✓ Mines (खननः) – Gold, silver, diamonds, metals, salt and ores from earth, etc. ✓ Fruits and vegetables (सेतुः) – Flower gardens, fruit orchards, sowing from root, etc. ✓ Forests (िनं) – Forest produce, elephant forests, etc. ✓ Herds (व्रजः) – Cattle, donkeys, camels and horses ✓ Trade routes (िणर्कपर्ः) – land and water trade routes ▪ Collection mechanisms ✓ Price, share, surcharge, monopoly tax, fixed tax, manufacturing charge and penalty ▪ Expenditure of royal income ✓ Documentation and its frequency ✓ Computation of profits and loss (if any) ✓ Compartmentalization of expenditure ✓ Auditing अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Recovery of misappropriated revenue

▪ Strict and defined fines for ✓ Concealment and hidden exchanges ✓ Failure to carry out tasks ✓ Using king’s goods to oneself ✓ Interchanging kings good with lower quality products ✓ Does not deliver the received income ✓ And so on.. ▪ 40 ways of embezzlement ▪ Informers, interrogations, spies, etc. ways to monitor these अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Roles of different directors/superintendent

▪ Format of explanation: ✓ Details about the required qualifications of the superintendent ✓ Roles and responsibilities ✓ Details about the topic of interest ✓ The “GOOD”, the “BAD” and the “UGLY” ✓ The do’s and don’ts ✓ Regulation and maintenance – fines ✓ Revenue generation schemes अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Roles of different directors/superintendent

▪ Treasurer/Director of stores (कोषाध्यक्ष) ✓ After giving details about the construction of main treasury, Chanakya says “On the border of the country, he should cause a permanent treasure to be laid by persons condemned to death, as a provision against calamity” ✓ Examination of precious articles for treasury • Types of pearls, source, identification, quality, types of necklaces, etc. • Similarly for diamonds, conches, shells, sandalwood, skins, silk, etc. ▪ Records and audit office (अक्षपिलं अध्यक्ष) ✓ Maintains complete database from A to Z of the state affairs. Kautilya also documents that “Three hundred and fifty four days and nights constitute the year of work. The last day of the work year is the full moon day in Ashaadha. He should also account for the intercalary month with a separate record” अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Roles of different directors/superintendent

▪ Office of Edicts and Writs (शासनाधिकािः) ✓ An entire chapter discussing parts of speech, quality of writing, salutations and signature, classification of purpose, do’s and don’ts, etc. ✓ Arrangement of subject-matter, connection, completeness, sweetness, exaltedness and lucidity constitute the excellences of writing. • Among them, arranging in a proper order, the statement first of the principal matter, is arrangement of subject-matter. • The statement of a subsequent matter, without it being incompatible with the matter in hand, right up to the end, is connection. • Absence of deficiency or excess of matter, words and letters, description in detail of the matter by means of reasons, citations and illustrations, and expressiveness of words, is completeness. • The use of words with a charming meaning easily conveyed is sweetness. • The use of words that are not vulgar is exaltedness. • The employment of words that are well-known is lucidity. ✓ Absence of charm, contradiction, repetition, incorrect (use of a) word, and confusion, — these are the defects of writing. • Among them, (the use of a) black leaf, (and) writing unattractive, uneven and faint letters constitute absence of charm. • The in- compatibility of the later with the earlier is contradiction. • Stating for a second time of what is already said without any distinction is repetition. • The wrong use of gender, number, tense and case is incorrect (use of a) word. • Division of paragraphs (varga) in unsuitable places, omission of necessary division of paragraphs, and violation of any other necessary qualities of a writ constitute confusion अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Roles of different directors/superintendent

▪ Other departments directors mentioned by Kautilya ✓ Mining and factories ✓ Gold and ores ✓ Trade ✓ Forest ✓ Armory, horses, elephants, chariots, and soldiers ✓ Agriculture and textiles ✓ Customs and passport ✓ Cattle and animal slaughter ✓ Spirituous liquors ✓ Shipping, etc. अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Monitoring the conduct of Govt. servants

▪ Based on the income/expenditure ✓ Type I – One who spends more than he earns causes depletion of the state treasury ✓ Type II – One who doubles the revenue, eats into the vitality of the country ✓ Type III – One who spends as much as he earns, consumes the labour of the workers ✓ Each of the above three types are punishable ▪ Kautilya holds that “the head of every department shall communicate to the king the accurate nature of the work and exact details of the income/expenditure” अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Documented important scientific/measurement details ▪ Quality of gold ✓ One suvarna of pure, turmeric-colored (gold) is the standard. Thence by the substitution of one kaakani copper onwards (in a suvarna of gold) up to the limit of four (maasakas), sixteen standards are obtained. ▪ Standardization of weights and measures ✓ 5 gunja berries make one maasaka of gold. 16 of these make one karsha. 4 karshas make one pala ✓ A dharana of diamond weighs twenty rice grains ✓ Beginning with six angulas and rising successively by 8 angulas ✓ He should cause the samaavritta to be made of metal 35 palas in weight and 72 angulas in length ✓ A bhaara contains 20 tula weights अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Documented important scientific/measurement details ▪ Measurement of space ✓ Eight atoms make one ratha chakra viprusha (chariot-wheel particle). Eight of them make one liksha. Eight of them make one yuka. Eight of them make one yavamadhya (barley-middle). Eight yavamadhyas make one angula. ✓ Eighty-four angulas make a vyaama, a measure for ropes and a paurusha (man’s height) for measuring moats (or diggings). ▪ Measurement of time ✓ Tuta, lava, nimesha, kaastha, kaala, naalika, muhurta, Two tutas make a lava. Two lavas make a nimesha. Five nimeshas make a kaashta. Thirty kaashtas make a kaala. Forty kaalas make a naalika. • Or, a hole in a jar (with a dimension) of four masakas of gold made four angulas in length, (with) an adhaka of water (running through it) measures one naalika . ✓ Two naalikas make a muhurta. ✓ A day of fifteen muhurtas and a night (of the same length) occur in the months of Chaitra and Ashvayuja. After that, one of them (first) increases and (then) decreases by three muhurtas during a period of six months (and vice versa the other). अध्यक्षप्रचािः – Documented important scientific/measurement details ▪ Measurement of time ✓ Similarly, fortnight, month, season, year and so on ✓ Two months make a season. Sravana and Prausthapada are the rainy season. Ashvayuja and Karttika are autumn. Margashirsha and Pausa are winter. Magha and Phalguna are the season of frost. Chaitra and Vaisakha are spring. Jyesthamullya and Ashaadha are summer. ✓ The Uttarayana begins with the season of frost. The Dakshinayana begins with the rainy season. Two ayanas make a year. Five years make one cycle. ✓ The sun takes one-sixtieth part of a day; thus in one season he brings about the loss of one day, and so does the moon (cause loss of) one (day). Thus in every period of two years and a half the two beget an additional month, the first in summer and the second at the end of (the cycle of) five years. Quick recap of Arthashastra discussion till Apr 22, 2019

▪ Overall structure and chapters in Arthashastra ▪ Book 1 – Primarily concerned with the king, his education, appointment of his cabinet, his daily routine and his spy network ▪ Book 2 – Starts of with the discussion on construction of forts, lists the various department heads and their duties, monitoring conduct of government servants and documented scientific and measurement details in Arthashastra ▪ Book 3 – Concerning law and judiciary Book 3 – िमव्र्ीयं Concerning law and judiciary - Structure

▪ Three िमव्तः/judges (similar qualifications as that of an Amaatya) are appointed at every level of the State ✓ Sangrahana – 10 villages ✓ Dronamukha – 400 villages ✓ Sthaaniya – 800 villages ▪ The King is the “supreme judge” – Supreme court ✓ Tending to legal matters a part of his daily routine (Book 1) ✓ Large emphasis is given on the king’s command which needs to be virtuous ▪ Valid or invalid 핍यिहाि (transactions) classified based on ✓ Time of the day ✓ Competence of the people involved ✓ Location, etc. ▪ A lawsuit filed based on invalid transaction is inadmissible ✓ Most offences are charged with a fine (panaas) ✓ Sureties for fines before lawsuit begins िमव्र्ीयं – Judge and witness

▪ Repayment of debt generally was the major reason for complaints taken to courts ▪ The Dharmastha questions the two parties ✓ श्रोतृ and साक्षी – The witnesses ✓ Witness does not refer to someone who puts signature on an agreement ✓ A witness when cited is bound to give evidence – Else pay a penalty ▪ Penalty is also specified for an erring/partial/inefficient judge ✓ Wrong line of questioning ✓ Ignoring or threatening the witness िमव्र्ीयं – Laws governing marriage

▪ Legal age for marriage – Woman (12) and Man (16) ▪ Types of marriage: ✓ प्राजापत्सयः – आषवः – दैिः – गान्ििवः – असिु ः – िाक्षसः – पैशाचः ▪ The concept of ्िीिनं (gifts given to the daughter) – Very different from modern concept of dowry ✓ Maintenance limit of 2000 panas but no limit on ornaments ✓ Wife is allowed to use it for maintenance of children ✓ Husband is only allowed to use it in case of emergencies • Not in all cases of marriage ✓ Rules for widow if she choses to remarry or if she choses a pious life ✓ Rules for forfeit िमव्र्ीयं – Laws governing marriage

▪ Kautilya allows for polygamy for the husband in-case of no off-spring after waiting for at least 8 years/10 years/12 years – Preference for a male child ✓ Suitably compensate the wife before remarrying ✓ Fines to be levied in case of transgression ▪ Additional punishments listed for ✓ Use of demeaning expressions ✓ Physical abuse ✓ Other forms of cruelty ▪ Divorce – only after mutual consent. Return of compensation ▪ Other rules for women ✓ Leaving home ✓ Going to others home ✓ Short and long absence of husband from home ✓ Misconduct िमव्र्ीयं – Inheritance and partition

▪ Several rules have been prescribed by Chanakya ✓ “Sons are not the owners of property when parents are alive” ✓ Partition made in presence of reliable witnesses ✓ Specific rules for partition among multiple sons ✓ िर्वसंकि – Mixing between various varnas and rules for it ▪ Disputes regarding immovable property – Settled usually based on testimony from neighbors ✓ An exhaustive treatment of matters likely to lead to disputes in court of law िमव्र्ीयं – Non observance of conventions and debts

▪ Commonly applicable society offenses ✓ Encroaching the roads ✓ Obstructing water source for personal gain ✓ Non-sowing of fertile land ✓ Cattle grazing in prohibited area, etc. ▪ Debt process covered in detail – Rate of interest, liability, co- borrowers, term limit, mode of recovery and so on… ▪ Similar details have been given for deposits िमव्र्ीयं – About workers and their union

▪ दास, अदहतक and कमवकि ✓ Various types of slaves/workers/laborers ✓ Emphasis on the right to freedom on payment of ransom amount ✓ Elaborate rules concerning proper treatment ad punishments in case of violation ▪ Very little in common to the slavery in other civilizations ▪ Similarities to a contract worker with proper agreements with the employer ▪ The concept of labor union ✓ Management of workforce ✓ Distribution of income ✓ Ensure work completion िमव्र्ीयं – About workers and their union

▪ दास, अदहतक and कमवकि ✓ Various types of slaves/workers/laborers ✓ Emphasis on the right to freedom on payment of ransom amount ✓ Elaborate rules concerning proper treatment ad punishments in case of violation ▪ Very little in common to the slavery in other civilizations ▪ Similarities to a contract worker with proper agreements with the employer ▪ The concept of labor union ✓ Management of workforce ✓ Distribution of income ✓ Ensure work completion िमव्र्ीयं – Other topics concerning law

▪ Immovable property ✓ Disputes about boundaries, construction of houses, sale of property, encroachment of other’s property, etc. ▪ Forcible seizure ✓ Forcefully capturing, fines associated and punishments ▪ Verbal and physical injury ✓ Defamation, contumely and threat constitute verbal injury ✓ Defiling the body, menacing and hitting constitute physical injury ▪ Gambling, betting and other offences ✓ Constantly monitored places for gambling Book 4 – कण्िकशोिनं Removal of thorns – Criminal suppression

▪ कण्िकशोिन अधिकािी (समाहत)वृ – responsible for identification and removal of kantakaas or thorns ▪ Primarily from the viewpoint of internal security of the state - योगक्षेम ▪ Pradeshtra are the common police force allocated at various levels of the state. Along with the head of departments ✓ Artisans, weavers, washer man (details of uniform, cleaning techniques, cost), tailors, goldsmith, physician, actors, etc. – Quality of product and service ✓ Traders – quantity, weight and adulteration ✓ In this manner, the king should prevent thieves who are not known as thieves from oppressing the country कण्िकशोिनं – About calamities and secret agents

▪ Mention of 8 types of calamities – fire, flood, disease, famine, rats, wild animals, serpents and evil spirits ▪ Detailed precautions for prevention ✓ Summer cooking options ✓ Rescue materials for rainy season ✓ Worship ▪ During a famine – Store of food stuffs and seeds, favors, seek neighbors help, hunting, etc. Basically prevent mass migrations ▪ Experts in Atharvaveda ▪ समाहताव (Administrator) – Establish secret agent network. To figure put the integrity or otherwise of the officers and HoDs ▪ Traps for the officers using these secret agents ✓ “Such and such a relation of mine is accused (before you); save him in this misfortune and accept this amount” Book 6 – मण्डलयोननः (The circle of kings)

▪ Constituents of sovereignty

▪ Beyond this it discusses the qualities (सम्पत)् of all these categories ▪ Note: References to prior chapters ▪ The concept of a विन्त्जगीषुः (conqueror) ✓ Good character ✓ With excellent elements of sovereignty ✓ Good policy (Human and divine) ✓ Applies the six-fold policy to become successful ▪ The important concept of िाजमण्डल (circle of kings) मण्डलयोननः – िाजमण्डल (The circle of kings)

Graduate thesis titled “Kautilya’s Arthashastra – A timeless grand strategy” by Wing Commander Vinay Vittal (IAF) Book 7 – षा蕍गुण्यं (Six measures of a King’s/State policy)

▪ Six measures ✓ संधि (Peace) – Entering into a treaty ✓ विग्रह (War) – Offensive injury ✓ आसन (Neutral) – Indifference ✓ यान (Marching) – Power augmentation/preparation ✓ संश्रय (Safeguard) – Seeking protection ✓ 饍िैिीिाि (Double policy) – Peace with one and war with the other ▪ Other important technical jargon ✓ िन्त्ृ ध्हः – Progress ✓ क्षयः – Decline ✓ ्र्ानं – Stability/stagnation षा蕍गुण्यं – Seeking advancement in every situation

▪ In peace – Improving throughput, secret remedies, enticing or taking help from/to enemy’s enemy. ▪ At war – safeguarded, able to attack and ruin enemy undertakings, or when the enemy is fighting elsewhere. ▪ Neutral – improving one’s own conditions ▪ Marching – Able to destroy enemy without causing major harm to the state’s condition ▪ Seek shelter – Neither able to attack, nor safeguard his own, seek shelter and improve ▪ Double policy – Make use of the peace with one to destroy the other षा蕍गुण्यं – Extreme flexibility in policy making

▪ The decision of a king to wage or not to age war is heavily dependent on the current socio-political-economic conditions of the enemy ▪ Test case of weak and strong king: ✓ Weaker king should resort to peace if agreeable or to submission ✓ If subjects are greedy, impoverished, and rebellious (in case of the stronger king) – even weak should wage war ✓ Simultaneousness of calamities – The case for strong to make peace and weak to wage war ✓ If a weak is overrun by a strong king, the weak should try to bring about a marriage alliance, surrender his treasury and troops or surrender land षा蕍गुण्यं – Peace vs. hostility

▪ When the conqueror and enemy are unable to over-reach and injure each other – then one should make peace ▪ However he should wage war and remain quiet (hostile), if the king feels: ✓ That he can weaken an enemy with attack ✓ If his subjects are united, thriving and are with full of energy ✓ If enemy’s subjects are rebellious, impoverished or harassed ✓ If the enemy troops are mobilized ▪ He should also seek alliances in the circle of kings if it is necessary to march and but not possible to do it alone ▪ He should try to overreach the second most prominent member of the circle of kings by making treaties with neighbors ✓ Place, time and objective (with combinations) – Seven fold treaty षा蕍गुण्यं – Causes for decline, greed and disaffection among subjects

▪ By insulting the good and commending the wicked; by causing unnatural and unrighteous slaughter of life; ▪ By neglecting the observance of proper and righteous customs; by doing unrighteous acts and neglecting righteous ones; ▪ By doing what ought not to be done and not doing what ought to be done; by not paying what ought to be paid and exacting what ought not to be taken; ▪ By not punishing the guilty and severely punishing the less guilty; by arresting those who are not to be caught hold of and leaving those who are to be arrested; ▪ By undertaking risky works and destroying profitable ones; by not protecting the people against thieves and by robbing them of their wealth; ▪ By giving up manly enterprise and condemning good works; by hurting the leaders of the people and despising the worthy; ▪ By provoking the aged, by crooked conduct, and by untruthfulness; by not applying remedies against evils and neglecting works in hand; ▪ And By carelessness and negligence of himself in maintaining the security of person and property of his subjects, the king causes impoverishment, greed, and disaffection to appear among his subjects;

When people are impoverished, they become greedy; when they are greedy, they become disaffected; when disaffected, they voluntarily go to the side of the enemy or destroy their own master षा蕍गुण्यं – Important conclusions of Kautilya

▪ Every action is based on 3 important assessments ✓ Welfare and advancement of one’s state and subjects ✓ Righteousness ✓ His stature in the circle of kings ▪ Choice between: ✓ Peace and war in case of equal advancement? ✓ Dual-policy vs. seeking shelter? ✓ War with weak, equal or strong king? ✓ A vulnerable king vs. an enemy ✓ A vulnerable king in serious calamity vs. an enemy in light calamity ✓ Multiple vulnerable kings with serious calamities – Unjust and disaffected subjects ✓ Impoverished and greedy subjects vs. rebellious subjects ✓ Unjust strong king vs. just weak king षा蕍गुण्यं – Conduct towards Middle and Neutral kings

▪ Middle king’s action if favorable to the conqueror’s allies – The conqueror should be in favor of the middle king ▪ If the middle king tries to conquer: ✓ The conqueror’s ally – then he should incite the circle ✓ The conqueror’s enemy – then he should make peace ▪ If middle or neutral king were to attack each other – he should support the one who is favored by the circle of kings ▪ Augmenting himself in support, he should weaken his own enemy constituents षा蕍गुण्यं – Conduct towards an ally & circle of kings

▪ The conqueror should: ✓ Help his ally with the same views as his own ✓ If grown in power and becomes unsubmissive, take help of his neighbors to suppress him ✓ An ideal ally is one who neither grows nor deteriorates ✓ If an ally is neutral, then the conqueror should cause displeasure from his neighbors and help him in case of war ✓ The ally who does not support during troubles should be exterminated when possible षा蕍गुण्यं – Other topics covered by Kautilya ▪ Adopting the double policy ▪ Marching with combined powers ▪ Agreements and pacts: ✓ Securing an ally ✓ Money ✓ Land ✓ Undertaking ▪ Considerations regarding a rear enemy ▪ Recuperation of weakened powers ▪ Conduct during submission and self-protection ▪ Peace making process and hostage negotiation ▪ Conduct for subjugating other kings by force Book 8 핍यसनाधिकारिकं – Regarding vices and calamities

핍य्यत्सयेनं श्रेयस ् इनत 핍यसनं ▪ Either due to misfortune or bad policy. Course of action: March or safeguard one’s state ▪ Types of calamities: The king > the minister > the country > the fort > the treasury > the army > the ally ✓ King appoints the council of ministers ✓ Ministers manage the resources of a country ✓ Bravery, resources, firmness, etc. is found in the people of the country ✓ The safety of the state depends on the safety of the fort ✓ The army is rooted in treasury ✓ One with the mighty army is easily befriended ✓ The ally is and supposed to be looking at his own interests 핍यसनाधिकारिकं – Details of 핍यसन

▪ Of a King: ✓ Rule by two vs. rule by a non-legitimate ✓ Blind vs. one who doesn’t follow the sciences ✓ The sick vs. new king ✓ A weak king of noble birth vs. strong king of low birth who overreaches • Loss of crops is more hurtful than loss of sowing ▪ Of a king and common man: ✓ Anger – Verbal injury < Violation of property < Physical injury ✓ Lust – Gambling > Drinking > Women > Hunting 핍यसनाधिकारिकं – The vices of an army

▪ Un-honored vs. dishonored, unpaid vs. sick, newly arrived vs. coming after a long march, exhausted vs. depleted, repulsed vs. beaten, unsuitable season vs. unsuitable terrain, devoid of hope vs. deserted, protecting women vs. infiltrated with traitors, with rebels vs. divided, retreated vs. scattered, encamped near or absorbed by the enemy, obstructed vs. encircled, depleted of supplies vs. fighters, dispersed in own vs. ally’s territory, traitors vs. enemy in the rear, immobilized vs. disobeying and with commanders vs. unguided. 핍यसनाधिकारिकं – Protection of army from calamities

▪ Removal of defects, insertion of fresh troops, overreaching by remaining in a strong place and peace with superior party ▪ King should proactively protect his army from calamities and hit at the enemy weak points Book 9 अलिया्यत्सकमव – Preparation for attacking an enemy

▪ After ascertaining the relative strength of weakness of powers, place, time, season, revolts in the rear, losses, expenses, gains and troubles, of himself and of the enemy, the conqueror should march otherwise stay quiet. ▪ The gain being obtained by a righteous king from an unrighteous one becomes pleasing to his own people and to others. The reverse rouses to anger. ▪ King’s shourya > Might of his army > excellent council ▪ Maintaining at least a quarter of his army as protection at the base, in rear and on the borders, he should march against the enemy in trouble (supplies, fort, calamity, unfavorable season, etc.) ▪ Choice of forces: Hereditary > hired > banded > ally’s > alien > forest अलिया्यत्सकमव – Protecting his own base

▪ Even a small disturbance/attack from a rear enemy has greater negative implications than the large gain by marching ahead ▪ Kautilya asserts that a conqueror should only march if the gain by marching ahead vs. losses due to attack of a rear enemy are at the least 100:1 ▪ Measures for curbing: ✓ Revolt in the rear: Saama, Daana, Bheda or Danda ✓ Interior revolt: March with the traitors or their wives and children ✓ Treachery by ministers or family members: same 4 options ✓ Enemy or traitor (Unmixed) easier, enemy and traitor (mixed) tough Book 10 सांग्रालमकं – Concerning war

▪ Kautilya documents a detailed floorplan for the war camp specifying protection of the camp, location of different groups of people, supplies, treasury, armory and elephants, etc. ▪ Food and equipment to be carried twice as much as the estimated requirement accounting for halts on the way ▪ Different formations of marching based on possible attacks from enemy ▪ One yojana (~12 km) is the slowest rate of marching and 2 yojanas is the highest (or more depending upon the ability) ▪ Importance of concealment सांग्रालमकं – Methods of fighting with an enemy

▪ Conditions for an open fight: Superior troops, secret instigations in place, season precautions in place and on a suitable terrain ▪ Concealed fighting otherwise: ✓ Attack during calamities ✓ Strike both at front and rear ✓ Engage treasonable, alien or forest troops forest and then with the rest ✓ After keeping enemy troops awake in night by sudden assault, attack them the next day ✓ Attack the exhausted ones by concealing some troops ✓ Ambush them: Desert, forest, a straight path, a muddy place, a mountain, a marshy place, uneven ground, a boat, mist and night सांग्रालमकं – Methods of fighting with an enemy

▪ Level, firm, clear, not causing jolts, not causing chariots to get stuck, without broken trees, thickets, creepers, fields under water, anthills, free from sand or mud, etc. – Features of a battle ground ▪ 4 arms of the battle – Foot soldiers, chariots, horses and elephants ▪ Kautilya discusses various formations, additions, deletions, timing of the strike, etc. in detail ✓ Considering their effectiveness and the enemy’s abilities ✓ Based on the conditions of the battle ground ✓ Modes of fighting for different arms ✓ Without causing any damage to their own Book 11 संघितृ ं – Policy towards oligarchies/clans

▪ Kautilya asserts that the gain of support or acquiring an oligarch is of utmost benefit – closely knit and unassailable by the enemy ▪ Tactics for acquiring them ✓ Instigate mutual hatred between different clans or internal to one ✓ King supports the weaker party in all cases to gain confidence ✓ Appoint as crown prince a nobly born member of the ruling family ✓ Various spy roles to start quarrel between to clans ▪ The oligarchs should also guard themselves from these deceitful tricks from monarchs and the head of the oligarchy should remain just in behavior Book 12 आबलीयसं – The weak king

▪ Conquerors can be classified as: ✓ The righteous (िमव) – Submit to him ✓ The greedy (लोि) – Yield money to him ✓ The demoniacal (असुि) – Yield but take counter steps for safety ▪ The weak king should try to make peace but further his agenda ✓ Trade treasonable men ✓ Trade dull elephants and horses ✓ High value articles with no possible buyers ▪ If the conqueror still retorts to fighting – Kautilya insists on using all means necessary to stop such a king while protecting himself and his people ✓ Spy network in various disguises ✓ Stirring up the circle of kings: Parallel attack, dam example or blackmail ✓ Destroying the supplies and reinforcements of the enemy ✓ Use of trickery – Kaumudi festival example Book 13 दगु लव ंभ्योपायः – Taking control over an enemy fort ▪ Stir-up the enemy camp against the enemy – Simharan and Akshay ▪ Stratagems: Ascetics, traders, assassins, etc. ▪ Pacification of the conquered fort ✓ Cover the enemy’s faults with his own virtues ✓ Full promised made to the seducible party and adopt characteristics of the subjects ✓ Respect and honor the deities and hermitages and prohibit killing of females and young ones ✓ Discontinue customs harmful to treasury and army

▪ He should institute a righteous custom, not initiated before and continue the one initiated by others; and he should not initiate unrighteous custom, and should stop any initiated by others Book 15 तन्ियुन्त््तः – The components of this science/शा्ि

The source of livelihood for men is wealth, in other words the earth inhabited by them. The science which is the means of the attainment and protection of that earth is the science of “Artha” Book 15 तन्ियुन्त््तः – Closing statements of अर्वशा्ि Key takeaways from this study on Chanakya and Arthashastra

▪ Distortions in documentation of Indian history – Contrary evidences which suggest large manipulations ▪ Chanakya – An excellent scholar, minister and teacher ▪ Arthashastra – An extensive compilation on the science of governance, administration and expansion of state by Kautilya Chanakya ▪ Highlights of Arthashastra: ✓ Always looking at the bigger picture (िमव) ✓ योगक्षेम and िक्षर् the primary goals ✓ No mention of targeting any foreign invaders ✓ The morality in Arthashastra ✓ अर्वशा्ि and not मोक्षशा्ि ✓ Not concerned with the “ideal state” but more on the “practical state” Major references

▪ Kautilya Arthashastra (3 volumes) by R. P. Kangle ▪ “Vishakhadatta’s Mudra-Rakshasa” by Prof. K. H. Dhruva ▪ Chanakya T. V. series (1991) directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi ▪ “ಆಚಾ샍ಯ ಚಾಣ响ಯ” by K. S. Narayanacharya ▪ “Kautilya’s Arthashastra” translated by R. Shamasastry ▪ “Portraits of a Nation – History of Ancient India” by Kamlesh Kapur ▪ “Chandragupta Maurya and his times” by R. K. Mookerji ▪ “Chandragupta Maurya” by Dr. Purushottam Lal Bhargava