U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2012

Ancient Indian Political Science

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Arthashastra of Kautilya is a-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Arthashastra is not a narrative history but a normative manual on how a king should govern and maintain power.

Explanation The text covers internal administration, civil and criminal law, diplomacy, and warfare, stating that its goal is the 'acquisition and preservation of the earth'.

Logical Breakup
Book on Principles of Government (D): It is a technical treatise on statecraft (Sastra).
History/Biography (B/C): It contains very few specific historical or biographical details about Chandragupta Maurya, focusing instead on theoretical administration.

Active Recall

Question

What are the three main parts of the Arthashastra?

Answer

It deals with the king and his council (internal), law and justice, and foreign policy/war (external).

Core Insight

Arthashastra is often compared to Machiavelli's 'The Prince' for its cold, realistic approach to the preservation of the state's interest.