In Our Time

The Arthashastra

11 snips
Mar 31, 2022
Jessica Frazier, a Lecturer in Religious Studies at Oxford, James Hegarty, a Professor of Sanskrit at Cardiff, and Deven Patel, an Associate Professor at Penn, delve into the Arthashastra, an ancient guide to governance. They discuss its historical roots in the Mauryan Empire and its relevance today, touching on the ruthless nature of political strategy. The podcast also explores the concept of Artha and its ethical implications, the complexities of justice and power, and the intriguing parallels between sex and politics that inform leadership dynamics.
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INSIGHT

Mauryan Influence

  • The Mauryan Empire's vast territory and non-violent ideology set new expectations for governance.
  • This era influenced texts like the Arthashastra, focusing on sustained power and ideological leadership.
INSIGHT

Sophisticated Society

  • Early Indian society was sophisticated, with centralized administration, thriving trade, and intellectual pursuits.
  • They valued knowledge and developed treatises to capture wisdom and learning.
INSIGHT

Authorship

  • The Arthashastra names Kautilya as its author, but other names like Vishnu Gupta and Chanakya are also associated with it.
  • Chanakya is known as a cunning Brahmin advisor, who assisted Chandragupta Maurya.
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