Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.2

c8.2

In Vedic literature, in the Mahābhārata and in Manu political thought occurs as an incident in the general discussion of human life and duties. But about this time, governmental theory acquired an independent status and formed the subject of distinct works. It never lost touch with other branches of philosophy but it was recognised as a thing by itself and treated by itself in Arthaśāstras, or treatises on welfare or profit. The Mahābhārata refers to several Arthaśāstras but the oldest extant work of its kind is the Arthaśāstra discovered at Trivandrum in Southern India more than twenty years ago. Its date and authorship are not yet finally settled. According to tradition, it was composed by Chaṇakya or Kautalya, the mighty chancellor of the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in the fourth century before Christ. Mr. Shamasastry, the discoverer and first editor of the Arthaśāstra, accepted the tradition and advanced some arguments to support it. But in a few years the tradition was called in question and a battle of articles has ever since raged over the problem. Dr. Jolly, the latest editor of the work, argues like Professor Winternitz that the real author was "a theoretician, no statesman but perhaps an official in a state of medium size." "The ascription of the work to Kautalya or Chāṇakya was entirely due to the myths current regarding that fabulous minister who was looked upon as the master and creator of