Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c3.88

c3.88

Lastly, the testimony of Megasthenes to the high degree of development which material civilization attained in India is abundantly supported by the detailed information furnished by the Arthaśāstra on the subject. It would take too much space, and is hardly necessary, to prove by quotations the truth of Megasthenes’ remarks [Frag. i] that the Indians are “well skilled in the arts,” and “while the soil bears on its surface all kinds of fruits which are known to cultivation, it has also underground numerous veins of all sorts of metals . . . which are employed in making articles of use and ornament, as well as the implements and accoutrements of war.” The *Arthaśāstra* is a sort of running commentary on the above statements, as will be evident from Mr. Law’s *Studies*, and from most of the chapters of the second Book of the *Arthaśāstra*, entitled अध्यक्षप्रचार.