The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c11.s1.t28: Compilation and Originality in the Arthaśāstra

c11.s1.t28.1

The author of the *Arthaśāstra* is certainly a "compiler", says Meyer, but an "extraordinary" and "peculiar" compiler. Jolly's criticism at p. 33 of his English introduction to the Lahore text is entirely unjust according to Meyer. The phrase *iti Kauṭilyah*, used so often in the text, not only exhibits, we are to understand, the compiler-author's own contribution but is a standing monument of his proud individuality, self-consciousness and strong personality, just the characteristics attributed to him by tradition. Instead of saying with Jolly that the *Arthaśāstra* is much indebted to the *Mahābhārata*, Meyer would consider the reverse process to be more natural.