A Critical Examination of Political Philosophy in Kautilya’s Arthashastra

Abstract

The academic article explores the political philosophy presented in the Arthashastra, authored by Kautilya, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economics, and governance. It examines Kautilya’s pragmatic and strategic approach to political leadership, focusing on the principles of power, diplomacy, administration, and the role of morality in governance. Furthermore, the study analyzes 1) how Kautilya emphasizes the necessity of a strong and well-organized state, 2) to interpret of usage of intelligence and realpolitik in maintaining sovereignty, and 3) to analysis of the balancing of ethical considerations with practical governance. Through a critical revisiting of the text, the paper highlights Kautilya’s enduring relevance in understanding political strategy and statecraft, demonstrating how the Arthashastra provides insights that continue to influence contemporary discussions on political authority, policy-making, and the dynamics of power.