Public Administration in Ancient India c4.31

c4.31

² “The measures to be taken for the acquisition and the preservation of the earth have been described in this book.” Arthaśāstra, Bk. XV. ch. 1. In another passage the author says that the system of public administration has been here described for the guidance of kings. So great was the fame of this work that the name ‘Chānakya’ became almost a synonym for ‘Political Science.’ In an inscription, the Rāshṭrakūṭa King, Govinda IV., is described as ‘Chānakya-chaturmukha.’ Vide Epigraphia Indica, Vol. VII. p. 36. According to the Purāṇas, Chandragupta was placed on the throne by Kautilya. The Matsya, Vāyu, and Brahmāṇda Purāṇas say: “Uddhariṣyati tān sarvān Kautilyaḥ.” The Matsya adds: “Kautilyaś Candraguptan tu tato rājye ’bhiṣekṣyati.” The other Purāṇas also say practically the same thing. The Mahāvamsa says: “Then did the Brāhmana, Chānakka, anoint a glorious youth, known by name Chandagutta, as King over all