[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Hindu Administrative Institutions](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929) › c6.s3.51 # Hindu Administrative Institutions c6.s3.51 Hindu Administrative Institutions c6.s3.51 - **Language:** English ### [c6.s3.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.51) The significance of \*artha\* is clearly expounded by Arjuna in his discourse to Yudhiṣṭhira when he wishes to retire to the forest after the catastrophe at Kurukṣētra. Arjuna says \*artha\* is the means for \*dharma\*, \*kāma\* and the ultimate realization of heaven. Life is not worth living without \*artha\*. Like the summer pond a man dispossessed of the waters of \*artha\* becomes unfit for anything in the world. A man of wealth is alone the person to reckon with. Wealth is both a friend and a relative. Happiness and anger, learning and conduct originate from this. The progress of society and welfare depends on this. It is a never-failing current of deep waters.³ Thus it becomes clear that there are two schools of Indian thought, one taking \*dharma\* as a paramount factor, and the other \*artha\* or wealth but without prejudice to \*dharma\*. - [Previous: c6.s3.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.50) - [Next: c6.s3.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.52) - [Up: c6.s3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.51) · Pramāṇa