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UPSC CSE Previous Year (CDS 2016)

Ancient Political Science

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Kamandaka's Nitisara is a contribution to

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The tradition of 'Arthashastra' (polity) continued after Kautilya, focusing on 'Niti' or the moral and strategic conduct of a king.

Explanation Kamandaka's Nitisara (Essence of Policy) was written around the 7th-8th century CE. It is essentially an abridged, poetic version of Kautilya's *Arthashastra*.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. The text discusses the 'Saptanga' (seven limbs of state) and the 'Mandala' theory of foreign policy, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the king.
Legacy: It was extremely influential and was even translated into Old Javanese, showing India’s cultural export of political wisdom.

Active Recall

Question

How is Nitisara related to Kautilya's work?

Answer

Kamandaka acknowledges Kautilya as his guru and presents the latter's complex prose theories in a more concise, verse format.

Core Insight

Kamandaka’s work represents the transition of political science from raw pragmatism toward 'Niti'—a blend of strategy and ethics.

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