Chanakya - Chanakya Neeti

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Copyright Author (2018)

First published by M/S Grapevine India Publishers India Ltd.

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Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations and situations are of authors imagination and any resemblance to any person, organization or situation is purely co-incidental.

The author respects all individuals, organizations & communities and there is no intention in this novel to hurt any individual, organization or community.

Contents

Introduction

Chanakya was known by multiple names like Kautilya and Vishnugupta and played multiple roles like being a teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal advisor. He is considered the pioneer of the field of political science and economics in India, and his work is thought of as an important precursor to classical economics.

Chanakya assisted the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in his rise to power. He is widely credited for having played an important role in the establishment of the Maurya Empire. Chanakya served as the chief advisor to both emperors Chandragupta and his son Bindusara.

Arthashastra and Chankaya Neeti were the two important books written by him. Arthashastra was discovered in 1905 by librarian Rudrapatna Shamasastry in an uncatalogued group of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts donated by an unknown pandit to the Oriental Research Institute Mysore.

The Arthashastra discusses monetary and fiscal policies, welfare, international relations, and war strategies in detail. The text also outlines the duties of a ruler. Some scholars believe that

Arthashastra is actually a compilation of a number of earlier texts written by various authors, and Chanakya might have been one of these authors.

Chanakya Niti is a collection of aphorisms, said to be selected by Chanakya from the various shastras. The topics discussed are ethics, morality, governance and several others.

Chanakya is regarded as a great thinker and diplomat in India. Many Indian nationalists regard him as one of the earliest people who envisaged the united India spanning the entire subcontinent. Indias former National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon praised Chanakyas Arthashastra for its clear and precise rules which apply even today. Furthermore, he recommended reading of the book for broadening the vision on strategic issues.

The diplomatic enclave in New Delhi is named Chanakyapuri in honour of Chanakya. Institutes named after him include Training Ship Chanakya, Chanakya National Law University and Chanakya Institute of Public Leadership. Chanakya Circle in Mysore has been named after him.

Several modern adaptations of the legend of Chanakya narrate his story in a semi-fictional form, extending these legends. In Chandragupta (1911), a play by Dwijendralal Ray, the Nanda king exiles his half-brother Chandragupta, who joins the army of Alexander the Great. Later, with help from Chanakya and Katyayan (the former Prime Minister of Magadha), Chandragupta defeats Nanda, who is put to death by Chanakya.

The reading of Chanakya Neeti is as relevant today as it was at the time it was written. This book is an attempt to bring the same to the readers of today.

The Individual

(The basic purpose of Chanakya-Niti is to impart knowledge on every practical aspect of life. And in this context, he has touched upon various factors dealing with faith and culture, from the individuals point of view.)

Riches, vitality, life, bodyall are fickle and fey; only Dharma is constant and everlasting.

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Gods abode is not the idols of wood, stone or earth. He dwells only in feeling.

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But, even if one puts ones faith in the idols of gods made of metal, wood or stone and worshipsthem with total devotion, one is awarded with the desired result.

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Anger is death, Lust is (the river of hell) Vaitarani, Knowledge is the cow of plenty and Satisfaction is (the divine orchard) Nandanvan.

PRAYER

Pranammya Shirsaa Vishnum Trailokyaadhipatim Prabhum.
Naanaa Shaastroddhrootam Vikshye Rajneeti Samuchchyam.

I salute to the Lord of the three realms, Lord Vishnu, and now commence to describe the principles of the statecraft culled from various ancient books of knowledge.

Dharme Tattpartaa Mukhe Madhurtaa Daane Samuttsaahataa
Mittreavanchakataa Guru Vinyataa Chitteapi Gambheerataa.
Aachaare Shuchitaa Gune Rasiktaa Shaastreshu Vigyataa
Roope Sundartaa Shive Bhajantaa Tvayasti Bho Raaghav.

Devotion in faith, sweetness in voice, alacrity in alms-giving, guilelessness in relation with friends, humility for the Guru, depth in character; piety in behaviour, regard for merit, erudition in scriptural knowledge, beauty in appearance and belief in Lord Shiva (or in the welfare of all) are, O Raghav (Lord Rama), your attributes!

Kaashtham Kalpataruh Sumerurachalashinintaamanih Prashtarah
Soonyasteevrakarah Shashih Kshayakarah Kshaarohi Nirvaaridhih.
Kaamo Nashtatanurbalirditishuto Nittya Prashuh Kaamagoh
Naittaaste Tulayaami Bho Raghupate Kassyopabhaa Deeyate.

Kalpataru (The divine tree fulfilling all desires) is wooden: the Sumeru is a hill, the philosophers stone is but a stone; the sun has scorching rays, the moon is waxing and waining, the sea ( water) is saline, the Kamadeva (the god of love) is bodyless; Bali is a demon, the cow of plenty is an animal-

O Ram! I fail to compare you with anyone (i.e., everything with best of the attributes have some inherent defect in it): You are incomparable.

Kaa chintaa Mam Jeevane Yadi Harirvishvambharo geeyate
No chedarbhakjeevanaarth Jananeestannyam Kutham Nihsaret.
Ittyaalochaya Muhurmuhuryadu Pate Laxmipate Kevalam
Tvattapaadaambujsevanen Satatam Kaalo Mayaa Neeyate.

Why should I worry for life as Lord Hari is the sustainer of the world. Had it not been so then how come a mothers breasts be filled with milk for her infant automatically? Believing this (that he who creates life also provides for its sustenance) O spouse of Lakshmi! I pass my life devoted to your feet!