Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India c2.43

c2.43

The *Arthaśāstra* of Kauṭilya is one of the books of culture which throw a flood of light on the particular epochs in which they arose. This work of *c.* 300 B.C. being a treatise on statecraft, speaks of yantras in connection mainly with battles, but also with architecture to some extent. An early work, a theoretical treatise and a text of great reputation, the *Arthaśāstra* forms our most valuable document on the subject of yantras.