Arthashastra अर्थशास्त्र is a statecraft text that covers a mindboggling array of topics. It was written ~2500 years ago and complies previous texts on the subject as well.
पृथिव्या लाभे पालने च यावन्त्यर्थशास्त्राणि पूर्वाचार्यैः प्रस्थापितानि प्रायशस्तानि संहृत्यैकमिदमर्थशास्त्रं कृतम् ॥
The content seems to be relevant even in today's day and age. We have to apply the principles to the new age contexts. Today physical proximity is no longer relevant to threats faced by nation, globalization has brought world closer and misinformation is being weaponized.
The word अर्थ (Artha) itself has multiple interpretations. अर्थ is considered as one of four पुरुषार्थ (object of human pursuit) मोक्ष धर्म काम (Moksha, Dharma and Kama) being other three.
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Arthashastra अर्थशास्त्र |
While अर्थ (Artha) does mean wealth/prosperity it also means:
प्रयोजने इष्टे। प्रयोजनंच इच्छाविषयः। (Desire/intention)
निमित्ते - निमित्तञ्च कारणनुद्देष्यञ्च तत्रानिमित्तार्थेन् (Cause/reason)
ज्ञेयवस्तुनि - इन्द्रियार्थ संनिकर्षोत्पन्नमं ज्ञानं प्रत्यक्षं (To be known by senses/ through direct experience)
Arthashastra has 15 chapters, 150 sections and close to six thousand verses. Currently there would be very few individuals who would understand even the first chapter where the structure and content of subsequent topics are laid out.
शास्त्रसमुद्देशः पञ्चदशाधिकरणानि साशीति.प्रकरण शतं सपञ्चाशदध्यायशतं षट्.श्लोकसहस्राणि इति ॥
I have referred to a few texts on the subject (Sanskrit - Hindi and English) They seem to be inadequate for general readers.
- The English text build on previous translations and have little or no understanding of what the original words mean. They do not quote the original text.
- Even the Hindi translations to a large extent only copy the same Sanskrit words in the text without making any further elaboration or assisting in understanding.
- The recent authors seem to spend more time on explaining the societal constructs than on the principles contained in the text.
Some of the Sanskrit words are no longer in common usage while their definitions are available elsewhere.
यान - Marching / Invading
अभिग्रह कलह आह्वाहन - seizing taking hold of
यातव्य (पड़ोशी शत्रु) जिस पर सहज में आक्रमण किया जा सकता हो - Nearby enemy to be marched against.
© Ratish
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