Maxims of Chanakya

Maxims of Chanakya

by V.K. Subramanian

''Maxims of Chanakya'' is the crystallised wisdom of Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, the Indian Philosopher-Statesman, who helped Chandragupta Maurya establish the first unified state in Indian History in Fourth century B.C.

Often called the Indian Machiavelli, Chanakya is Known for his political acumen and statecraft which enabled him to win bloodless victories over his enemies, overthrow a tyrannical regime and prevent the balkanisation of India at a time when it was ravaged by foreign invasions.

The maxims of Chanakya, over one thousand in number, included in this book, culled from the three major works attributed to him: Arthasastra, Chanakyasutras and Chanakyarajanitisastra (sometimes known as Chanakyanitidarpana), cover a wide range of subjects.

No branch of life or learning has been left untouched by the great political genius, He has something pithy to say on politics, administration, economics, ethics, education, health, sex and self-improvement.

In terseness of expression, no language, with the possible exception of Latin, can excel Sanskrit and the great master has used this wonderful language to such perfection that one is awestruck by the volume of message often conveyed in a couple of words.

The English translation of Chanakya's original Sanskrit maxims captures their brevity and wisdom, for the benefit of a larger audience, not conversant with the Sanskrit language.

The introduction: ''Chanakya: His Life, Times and Work'' adds to the value of this publication.

It is hoped that '' Maxims of Chanakya " will prove an invaluable guide to the Legislator, the Administrator, the Planner and the Educationist-all those who shape a country's policy or an individual's future.

About The Author:-

Born in 1930 in Kerala (India), Vadakaymadom Krishnaiyer Subramanian, the author of several books, is a keen student of Indian affairs, ancient and modern. An eminent Sanskrit scholar, he has translated several ancient Indian Sanskrit texts into English. His publications in this regard include Rudraprasna, Sivanandalahari, Saundaryalahari and Maxima of Chanakya. He has just completed a mammoth work, Siva-Sakti. Subramanian has also written several works of fiction, which include Lali and Other Short Stories, Love- Twigs and A Bond to Sorrow. His book on astrology and planets, Planets, Palms and Predictions, is a highly popular publication.

Subramanian is also a reputed artist and art historian. He has held 18 one-man exhibitions of his paintings, which have won wide acclaim from art critics and the press throughout the country. His book, The Great Ones in Art, is being published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay.

Subramanian's perceptive thorough-ness on Indian public finance would be evident to any reader of The Indian Financial System.