Kantakas

Kantakas were a group of Buddhist monks who lived in ancient India, primarily during the period of the Maurya Empire. Their name is derived from the Sanskrit word "kantaka," meaning thorn or annoyance, reflecting the negative perception many had of them. The primary source of information about Kantakas comes from the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya).

According to the Arthashastra, Kantakas were not necessarily ascetics but rather a class of individuals who engaged in various activities, often disruptive or subversive. They are described as living in forests and jungles, and sometimes participating in criminal activities such as robbery, extortion, and even assassination. The text suggests they were a threat to the established order and the authority of the state.

The Arthashastra details methods for dealing with Kantakas, including surveillance, infiltration, and sometimes elimination. It is implied that these groups possessed a degree of organization and were able to operate with some degree of autonomy. While the Arthashastra presents them in a hostile light, some scholars interpret the term "Kantakas" more broadly, possibly referring to recalcitrant populations or groups who resisted imperial control. The exact nature and extent of their activities remain a subject of scholarly debate due to the limited and biased nature of the primary source.