The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c11.s1.t26.2

c11.s1.t26.2

But Hillebrandt in his very first paper on the *Kauṭalyaśāstra* (1908) pointed out the existence of another name, namely, Kauṭalya. Besides, argues Meyer, the title *Kuṭila* (crooked, clever, etc.) as used in the *Mudrārākṣasa* is really appreciative or laudatory and not at all dishonourable. Cleverness consisting in the ability to deceive others is a virtue among all races. Thus, for instance, Israel, the patriarch of the Israelites was known as Jacobi, i.e., the cheater or swindler. Every Tom, Dick and Harry “can be named a Viṣṇugupta, but Kautilya is the *Kronenorden* (Order of the Crown) granted out of the hands of Nature and science.”