The Mauryan Polity c5.s2.t2.17

c5.s2.t2.17

In regard to the archaic style, the *Arthaśāstra* certainly cultivates the peculiar archaic style of the sūtras and this is itself an evidence for an early date. Dr. Keith is of opinion that the language is not markedly archaic.² It is difficult to accept this view. For a reference to Appendix III of Gaṇapati Śāstri’s edition of the *Arthaśāstra* furnishes the following among other *ārṣa* words: *ādēyāt, mārgāyukaḥ, ākāṅkṣēta, paścānhaḥ, pārañcikam, varṣārātram, rajjunā, apakrāntavyam*. It is further interesting to note that Jolly accepts this fact. He says: "Such archaic style is peculiar to Vālmīki, Vyāsa, Bhāsa and Kauṭalya."