Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c3.2

c3.2

IN response to the request of Mr. Law, I have much pleasure in saying a few words on the probable age of the now famous work, the *Arthaśāstra* of Kauṭilya, the importance of which for the history of culture can hardly be overestimated. To students of Indian history in particular, an approximate determination of the period to which the *Arthaśāstra* relates itself is a most pressing problem demanding immediate solution, for on that will depend much of the reconstruction of early Indian history, as well as a true interpretation and appreciation of ancient Hindu culture. The *Arthaśāstra*, as will be amply evident from Mr. Law’s *Studies*, is a unique record of the secular and practical activities and achievements of the Hindu genius as distinguished from the intellectual and spiritual, of which there is so much evidence in the extant Sanskrit and Pâli literature, and of which so much has been said and written; and a proper study of this most interesting work is well calculated to remove one of the widespread and deep-rooted misconceptions about ancient Hindu civilization, which is supposed to have distinguished itself only in the sphere of thought, and to have miserably failed in that of action.