Question

In how many adhikaranas, the Kautilya’s Arthashastra are divided.
A) 11
B) 12
C) 14
D) 15

Answer 1

Hint: Arthashastra is an ancient treatise on economic and military policies. It is often translated as ‘the science of wealth’ but the actual text written is very broad and has a lot of scopes. It explores issues of social welfare and is known to be written by Kautilya in the 3rd century BCE.

Complete answer:
Chanakya or Kautilya was a teacher, philosopher, economist, and royal advisor in ancient India. Born in 375 BCE in Chanaka village, He is also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta and is the author of the ancient political treatise Arthashastra. He is considered an evolver in the field of economics and political science. He assisted Chandragupta, the first Mauryan emperor in raising his power. He played an important role in the establishment of the Mauryan empire and served as the chief advisor to both Chandragupta and his son Bindusara.

The two of the most important texts of Kautilya were Arthashastra and Chanakya Niti. Arthashastra was discovered by a librarian in 1905 whose name was Rudrapatna Shamasastry in an ancient palm-leaf manuscript. The Arthashastra discusses policies related to social and economic welfare and war strategies. It also underlines the duty of a ruler and the method to screen ministers, diplomats to form a government. Arthashastra is divided into 15 adhikaranas or book titles, 150 chapters and 180 topics. It is believed to be written as a handbook by Kautilya for Chandragupta to instruct him in how to reign over an empire.

Thus, the correct answer is option ‘D’ i.e, Kautilya’s Arthashastra is divided into 15 adhikaranas.

Note: Government of India’s former National Security Advisor states the Arthashastra is a great manual on how to run an empire, state, country and is very precise in its details and prescriptions. It is not just a normal text but a real description of how to run a state. It is recommended for expanding the idea of strategic issues.