The birth of Chanakya (Kautilya), and his intellectual abilities are mentioned in the great Sri Vishnu Purana, which is one of the Sattvic Puranas. Chanakya, one of the earliest political thinkers lived during the period 350-275 Be. At a very early age, Chanakya started studying Vedas. The Vedas, which are considered to be the toughest scriptures to study, were completely studied and mastered by Chanakya at a very young age. University of Takshashila (now Taxila), one of the topmost centres of education at that time in India became Chanakya's school of knowledge in the practical and in the theoretical aspects. He was attracted to studies in politics. Chanakya's acumen and shrewdness in politics were visible right from his childhood. In this way after studying religion and politics, he turned his attention to economics, which remained his lifelong friend. After acquiring vast knowledge in various branches of
studies, he wanted everybody to get benefited. He believed in sharing knowledge and not in hoarding of it and so he later became a professor of Political Science at the University.
Though Chanakya was just a professor in the Taxila University, which seemed to be far away from the happenings in the country, heacrually was able to influence the governments in a big way. His students looked up to him as an ideal teacher who inspired and exemplified great knowledge. They respected him and were ready to fight at any moment at his orders. Chanakya went from Takshashila to Pataliputra, which was famous as a centre of learning and was known to honour scholars. Chanakya's extraordinary scholarship and genius gained recognition among the scholars of Pataliputra, who honoured him. Later Chanakya became the president of the 'Sangha' (Trust).
He took a promising young boy of ten (Chandragupta Maurya), from the streets and
brought him up to become one of the greatest emperors of India. In the War of Independence for Northern India, the source of strength for Chandragupta and his army was the power of mind and the towering personality of Chanakya. After Alexander's death in Babylon, all his satraps were either killed or dislodged, one by one. Alexander's lieutenants divided his empire among themselves in 321 B.C. No realm east of the Indus was mentioned in that settlement. It meant that the Greeks themselves had accepted that this region had gone out of their rule.
Seeking revenge for being insulted in the court of the ruler of Magadha, Chanakya
vowed to dethrone the haughty Nanda king, who was harassing the people of the land. The Nanda kings' reign was marked with cruelty and imposition of heavy taxes on their subjects. Therefore, they earned the wrath of the people. With determination Chanakya as a single person stood opposed to the might of the Nandas and Amatya Rakshasa. He dethroned the Nandas, put Chandragupta on the throne, and also installed Amatya Rakshasa, who was trying his utmost to destroy Chandragupta, as the minister and created the great Maurya dynasty.
Chanakya was a very brilliant person. He was full of determination in achieving objectives. He was well-versed in all the 'Vedic Shastras' or branches of knowledge, an expert economist; a statesman par excellence. He was a master in the four methods of persuasion, enticement, sowing dissension, and punishment or war.: He was mature in the strategy of war, and very intelligent. one could make out what was going on his mind. So secretive was he in his method, and far-sighted. In any endeavour, his calculations never went wrong and he never missed his aim. He was at the same time very religious and given to strict renunciation. Apparently of this strict nature, he employed various methods carefully at the right time to destroy enemies. There was no branch of knowledge, which he had not mastered. He was widely experienced in the world. There seemed to be nothing, which he did not know. He was, in other words,
a personification of all things that make a genius. Considered in any way, people equal to Chanakya are very rare in the world. An expression "like the strategy of Chanakya", has become proverbial.
The whole nation was bewildered by the cleverness and wit of this seemingly benign
personality who went on to single-handedly unify the country with the sheer power of his character. Probably the most accurate description of Chanakya can be found in Nehru's words in the Discovery of India, "Chanakya has been called the Indian Machiavelli and to some extent the comparison is justified. But he was a much bigger person in every way, greater in intellect and reason."
Chanakya dreamt of a country reaching the zenith of development in terms of ideologies and social and economic development. A self-sufficient economy, which does not depend on foreign trade. An egalitarian society where there are equal opportunities for all. Establishment of new colonies for the augmentation of resources. He also advocated the development of the annexed colonies. His imperialistic views can be interpreted as the development of natural and man made resources. He lived his life working to his optimum capacity in pursuit of vision of a happy, strong and prosperous India.
His works have been faithfully preserved through word of mouth for well over two thousand years. Nitishastra, a treatise on the ideal way of life shows his in-depth study of the Indian way of life. Many of his nitis or policies have been compiled in the book, Chanakya Niti.
CHANAKYA'S ARTHASHASTRA
Uhanakya's Arthashastra also known as Kautiliya Arthashastra, is a classic statecraft.
It deals with the politics (Raja Dharma), leadership, qualities and disciplines required for a Rajarishi - a wise and virtuous king.
According to Kautilya, a Rajarishi is one who has self-control, having conquered
the inimical temptations of the senses; cultivates the intellect by association with elders; keeps his eyes open through spies; is ever active in promoting the security and welfare of the people; ensures the observance (by the people) of their dharma by authority and example; improves his own discipline by (continuing his) learning in all branches of knowledge; and endears himself to his people by enriching them and doing good to them.
studies, he wanted everybody to get benefited. He believed in sharing knowledge and not in hoarding of it and so he later became a professor of Political Science at the University.
Though Chanakya was just a professor in the Taxila University, which seemed to be far away from the happenings in the country, heacrually was able to influence the governments in a big way. His students looked up to him as an ideal teacher who inspired and exemplified great knowledge. They respected him and were ready to fight at any moment at his orders. Chanakya went from Takshashila to Pataliputra, which was famous as a centre of learning and was known to honour scholars. Chanakya's extraordinary scholarship and genius gained recognition among the scholars of Pataliputra, who honoured him. Later Chanakya became the president of the 'Sangha' (Trust).
He took a promising young boy of ten (Chandragupta Maurya), from the streets and
brought him up to become one of the greatest emperors of India. In the War of Independence for Northern India, the source of strength for Chandragupta and his army was the power of mind and the towering personality of Chanakya. After Alexander's death in Babylon, all his satraps were either killed or dislodged, one by one. Alexander's lieutenants divided his empire among themselves in 321 B.C. No realm east of the Indus was mentioned in that settlement. It meant that the Greeks themselves had accepted that this region had gone out of their rule.
Seeking revenge for being insulted in the court of the ruler of Magadha, Chanakya
vowed to dethrone the haughty Nanda king, who was harassing the people of the land. The Nanda kings' reign was marked with cruelty and imposition of heavy taxes on their subjects. Therefore, they earned the wrath of the people. With determination Chanakya as a single person stood opposed to the might of the Nandas and Amatya Rakshasa. He dethroned the Nandas, put Chandragupta on the throne, and also installed Amatya Rakshasa, who was trying his utmost to destroy Chandragupta, as the minister and created the great Maurya dynasty.
Chanakya was a very brilliant person. He was full of determination in achieving objectives. He was well-versed in all the 'Vedic Shastras' or branches of knowledge, an expert economist; a statesman par excellence. He was a master in the four methods of persuasion, enticement, sowing dissension, and punishment or war.: He was mature in the strategy of war, and very intelligent. one could make out what was going on his mind. So secretive was he in his method, and far-sighted. In any endeavour, his calculations never went wrong and he never missed his aim. He was at the same time very religious and given to strict renunciation. Apparently of this strict nature, he employed various methods carefully at the right time to destroy enemies. There was no branch of knowledge, which he had not mastered. He was widely experienced in the world. There seemed to be nothing, which he did not know. He was, in other words,
a personification of all things that make a genius. Considered in any way, people equal to Chanakya are very rare in the world. An expression "like the strategy of Chanakya", has become proverbial.
The whole nation was bewildered by the cleverness and wit of this seemingly benign
personality who went on to single-handedly unify the country with the sheer power of his character. Probably the most accurate description of Chanakya can be found in Nehru's words in the Discovery of India, "Chanakya has been called the Indian Machiavelli and to some extent the comparison is justified. But he was a much bigger person in every way, greater in intellect and reason."
Chanakya dreamt of a country reaching the zenith of development in terms of ideologies and social and economic development. A self-sufficient economy, which does not depend on foreign trade. An egalitarian society where there are equal opportunities for all. Establishment of new colonies for the augmentation of resources. He also advocated the development of the annexed colonies. His imperialistic views can be interpreted as the development of natural and man made resources. He lived his life working to his optimum capacity in pursuit of vision of a happy, strong and prosperous India.
His works have been faithfully preserved through word of mouth for well over two thousand years. Nitishastra, a treatise on the ideal way of life shows his in-depth study of the Indian way of life. Many of his nitis or policies have been compiled in the book, Chanakya Niti.
CHANAKYA'S ARTHASHASTRA
Uhanakya's Arthashastra also known as Kautiliya Arthashastra, is a classic statecraft.
It deals with the politics (Raja Dharma), leadership, qualities and disciplines required for a Rajarishi - a wise and virtuous king.
According to Kautilya, a Rajarishi is one who has self-control, having conquered
the inimical temptations of the senses; cultivates the intellect by association with elders; keeps his eyes open through spies; is ever active in promoting the security and welfare of the people; ensures the observance (by the people) of their dharma by authority and example; improves his own discipline by (continuing his) learning in all branches of knowledge; and endears himself to his people by enriching them and doing good to them.
Arthashastra is divided into 15 books:
- Concerning Discipline
- Concerning Law
- The Conduct of Courtiers
- The End of the Six-Fold Policy
- The Work of an Invader
- The Conduct of Corporations
- Strategic Means to Capture a Fortress
- The Plan of a Treatise
- The Duties of Government Superintendents
- The Removal of Thoms
- The Source of Sovereign States
- Concerning Vices and Calamities
- Relating to War
- Concerning a Powerful Enemy
- Secret Means
1.
One should go beyond his boundaries
2.
One should avoid association with persons who
are unrighteous
3.
Avoid injuring others
4.
Avoid persons who are harmful and falsehood by
nature
5.
Enjoy your sensual pleasure without harming your
spiritual qualities
6.
Excess of sensual pleasure will bind you to
material miseries
7.
Material are said to be supreme when its used
for spiritual purposes
8.
Rulership can be successfully carried out of
associates
9.
Own decisions can be misguided so ask for second
opinion
10.
Do not appoint your mates they can mistreat you
11.
Secrets should not be discussed in conference
even with your team mates
12.
If secrets are communicated with many you will
become subservient to them
13.
By knowing your secrets, people influence your
opinion
14.
Whoever helped you in difficult situations know
them as truthful and loyal
15.
Appoint your teammates by knowing their loyalty
16.
Calculate the income and qualities before
appointing a staff
17.
If you know that one is having good conduct
never make him leave
18.
Behave like master when you are in position
19.
Appointments of staffs should be done by
well-versed authorities
20.
Appoint the person who is more conversant with
work
21.
Integrity of staffs must be proved by secret
tests
22.
Rank your staffs according to their ability
23.
Hire a person who bear troubles and endowed with
energy and power
24.
Employment should be offered to those who are
firmly devoted and having quality of uprightness and friendliness etc
25.
Never recruit a person who is not endowed with good
character
26.
An employee should have the qualities of
eloquence, boldness and should be trained in arts (in respected fields)
27.
An employee should always be eager to work
28.
Inquire one about his abilities by tracking his
old friends and colleagues
29.
By making conversation with one candidate test
his eloquence and boldness
30.
Test employees in handling situation associated
with the difficult tasks
31.
By organizing the test ascertain friendliness
and firmness of the candidate
32.
Check the character along with other qualities
of a trainee
33.
Mostly personal observations will give clear
results of a candidate
34.
Know the physical fitness before appointing a
person
35.
It is good to administer psychometric tests
before employing a person
36.
Employ a person who has knowledge of auxiliary sciences
37.
Test the integrity of the candidate by
administering secret tests
38.
The secret tests on piety will show loyalty of
the candidate
39.
A person’s uprightness can be judged by his
disinterest over the material gains
40.
Person who is not addicted to recreation can be
appointed
41.
Purity of a person can be identified by a test
on lust
42.
Loyal person should be employed in judicial
department
43.
Pious persons should be employed in stores and
administration department
44.
Loyal and fearless person can be employed as a
guardian/overtaker of a concern/company (arbitrator)
45.
Those who are not loyal and pious but are
stickers for cleanliness can be employed in housekeeping
46.
Person who is loyal, piety and pure can be
appointed as chief/manager etc
47.
All the secret tests for employing a candidate
should be outsourced to an external agency
48.
By means of secret tests one who has proved
uprightness before the board of directors, should be appointed as a person of
secret service
49.
Secret agents should be encouraged with money
and honor
50.
Secret agents should report only to higher
authorities
51.
By proving truthfulness a housekeeper may also
be appointed as a spy
52.
Secret agents can appoint other secret agents by
identifying their honesty
53.
Art of association with the people is an
important criteria for a spy
54.
The management should employ spy in a profession
which shows dignity and royalty
55.
Spy who makes consequent mistakes in their part
should be terminated silently
56.
If leader is carefree then the followers will be
negligent
57.
Employees are more important because they do the
work for the leader
58.
By being active, leader is beyond the reach off
competitors
59.
The leader should always be energetic
60.
The complete work chart of a day is to be
maintained by the leader
61.
The work chart of a day is to be divided into
eight parts (task per hour)
62.
On the opening hour / day income and expenditure
works or financial strategies should be discussed
63.
On the second hour, the leader should meet the
marketing people and representatives
64.
The third hour will be study hour for a leader
65.
Distribution of tasks to the respective
department will be done on the fourth hour.
66.
Reading official mails and consultation with
secret agents will be done at the fifth hour.
67.
On the sixth hour, the leader can relax with
some recreations or their may be a consultant meet
68.
On the seventh hour, the leader should go
through/verify the works of administration and housekeeping
69.
The upcoming product review can be discussed
with senior officers during the eighth hour
70.
The day can be ended by saluting the almighty
for the works finished
71.
When the leader is in his room or in his place
restrictions should be avoided so that employees can meet him liberally
72.
A leader should work according to the needs of
emergency
73.
A leader should deal urgent matters in person
74.
Procrastination of the work can make it harder
or even impossible
75.
Leaders should always respect the people who
have the knowledge
76.
Anger is a self-destructing weapon of a leader
77.
For a
leader, benefits to the company always translate as benefits to him; and not
vice-versa
78.
The basic of material wellbeing is being active
and material misery is vice versa
79.
Activity leads only to benefits and inactive
surely to destruction
80.
The company should build its building only by
renowned and expert builders
81.
The company should be able to escort the employees
even in natural calamities
82.
Precautionary measures should be taken against
fire etc
83.
Every person should have a cabin and they should
not leave nor move to others unnecessary
84.
Contact with outsider inside the premises should
be avoided
85.
Attendance and movement of employees should be
carefully examined
86.
Incoming and out going counters / parcels should
be written and checked with proper records along with the authentic seal
87.
Company proprietor should keep a trained and
well-known person as his personal assistant
88.
Loyally proved and hereditarily known person can
be a personal assistant to the owner of the company
89.
Company should appoint leaders for each and
every department
90.
Manager of the company should lead the heads of
the department
91.
Benefits given to the HOD by the company should
not be misused
92.
Avoid the benefits and exemptions to the HOD
which cause loss to the company
93.
According to the needs of the HOD, facilities
should be made for their work environment
94.
The benefits attained by the projects by HOD
should reach the owner of the company
95.
HOD should be impartial to the kinsman, staff
and other workers
96.
HOD can terminate any employee due to their
incapability with the permission from higher authorities
97.
Company should not provide any recreation
facilities, which obstruct the work
98.
HOD should take care of system maintenance and
housekeeping for increasing the profits of the company
99.
HOD should have clear knowledge of future
obstacles and should take decision to overcome from that
100.
HOD should guard the existing projects and
should create new and innovative projects
101.
HOD’s has the power to lay off the staffs for
misusing company items/products
102.
Unused place in the office should be utilized
without affecting the office work
103.
The vacant place can be used as areas offering
recreation
104.
Vacant place in the centre of the office can be
used as a park
105.
Grow trees and create pools for beauty and
cleanliness in the vacant place at work
106.
Company should appoint a security for guarding
the premises
107.
Rewards can be granted to security staff for
carrying out their work with devotion and sincerity
108.
Company should appoint leaders for each and
every department
109.
Manager of the company should lead the heads of
the department
110.
Rewards should be given to employees for
identifying or informing the misuse of the company
111.
Finance manager should make provision for
storing receipts even older than hundred years so that he does not falter in
respect of expenditure
112.
A wise manager should show an increase of income
and decrease of expenditure
113.
Special allowances should be given to the
employees for sudden calamities
114.
Officers who regularly report late to work must
be fined
115.
Fine must be imposed on senior officers who
delay work
116.
Twice the stipulated fine must be levied on
junior officers who do not complete their assignments
117.
Company can cut or reduce the incentive for
officers who delay work
118.
The company can excuse procrastination of work
by a few weeks
119.
An officer of the finance department must check
daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly the annual income and expenditure reports
120.
Company should check the source of income with
the reference of place and time
121.
The officer of accounts can be warned against
the imperfect and improper maintenance of entry books of accounts
122.
Any finance officer who reports loss of accounts
records must be fined
123.
The false statement in the entry book is
considered to be a theft and the responding officer should be punished under
law.
124.
Officers can be excused when they admit the
mistakes committed by them
125.
Company should give incentive to the officers
according to the benefit and expenditure on accounts made by them
126.
Each and every single work of the company
depends on the income of the company
127.
Clean activities, curtailing of theft and steady
cash reserve are some of the things which increase the income of a company.
128.
Obstruction, lending, loss, damage, misuse,
trading are the causes of downfall of the industry
129.
Not attending to faults, ignorance of growth,
improper delivery etc lead economy to the path of disaster
130.
Fines must be levied on officers who fail to conceal
confidential records.
131.
If an officer ordered a consignment which gave
loss previously he should be warned and should be avoided in future.
132.
The usage of MD’s rom by other person without
permission is equivalent to jewel theft and he should be punished
133.
Misappropriation of income by officers should be
fined.
134.
Late payment, curtailing of dues and denial of
payment amounts to misappropriation of income
135.
Leaders should regularly inspect and interrogate
the person who pays, receives and records the payments
136.
False statement made by any one in the finance
department should be punished
137.
If an officer denies all charges against him but
is proved guilty, he will be liable for punishment
138.
An officer who misappropriates large amount and
is proved guilty is liable for punishment
139.
Incentive can be given to informers of accounts
misappropriation
140.
Informers of the misappropriation should be
motivated with large incentives
141.
Company should punish informers for faulty
statements
142.
Manager should inspect the works of heads
regularly
143.
Quarrelling among employees of the company
should be avoided by strict practices
144.
Quarrels swallow the fruits of labor
145.
An officers should be fined for negligence on
his part
146.
One who does work in an orderly and even manner
should be honored with high position
147.
Spies are responsible to identify bribery
148.
Expenditure done by staffs beyond their limits
should be examined carefully
149.
One who causes loss or damage to the products is
a liability to the company
150.
If the loss or damage occurs due to ignorance
the respective individual should pay for that
151.
If an officer uses his staffs for his personal
benefits, he should be punished according to the loss of working hours
152.
“The Science of Politics is the only Science”,
which is connected with all sciences (1.2.6)
153.
By learning science one can learn about
spiritual and material well-being (1.2.9)
154.
Keep the mind steady in adversity and in
prosperity (1.2.11)
155.
Our common duties are, not to hurt living
creatures, Truthfulness, Uprightness, Freedom from animosity, being
affectionate to others, benevolence etc, (1.3.13)
156.
One should observe his regular dutities and it
will lead him to Heaven and supremeness (1.3.14)
