Kautilya

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist and royal adviser. Tradition identifies him as the mentor and chief architect of the Maurya Empire, assisting Chandragupta Maurya in overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. Biographical details are sparse and the exact dates are disputed; most scholars place his activity in the 4th–3rd century BCE.

He is credited with composing the Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy. The text, written in Sanskrit, covers topics such as governance, taxation, diplomacy, espionage, law, war, and public administration. It presents a pragmatic, centralized model of rule with emphasis on a strong sovereign, bureaucratic administration, and welfare measures. The authorship and date of the Arthashastra are debated; some scholars view it as the product of a single author in the early Mauryan period, while others see it a compilation from multiple authors across centuries.

Kautilya's influence on Indian political thought has been substantial, shaping later theories of statecraft and governance. The Arthashastra and associated traditions are cited in later philosophical and political writings, and Chanakya's name is often invoked in discussions of political ethics and strategy. In tradition, he is honored as a wise counselor and reformer; his life and work appear in literature and popular culture. Because sources are fragmentary and sometimes conflicting, many biographical details remain uncertain.