Translation
Arthashastraअर्थशास्त्रम्
By Kauṭilya (also called Cāṇakya). Translated by R. Shamasastry, 1915. Public domain.
A treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, attributed to Kauṭilya, advisor to Chandragupta Maurya. Covers the duties of a king, ministerial appointment, espionage, taxation, jurisprudence, and foreign policy. The first complete English translation, by R. Shamasastry, was published in 1915 and is in the public domain.
Chapters
Chapter 1
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter I: THE LIFE OF A KING
Chapter 2
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter II: THE END OF SCIENCES
Chapter 3
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter III: THE END OF SCIENCES
Chapter 4
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter IV: THE END OF SCIENCES
Chapter 5
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter V: ASSOCIATION WITH THE AGED
Chapter 6
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter VI: RESTRAINT OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE
Chapter 7
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter VII: RESTRAINT OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE
Chapter 8
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter VIII: CREATION OF MINISTERS
Chapter 9
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter IX: THE CREATION OF COUNCILLORS AND
Chapter 10
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter X: ASCERTAINING BY TEMPTATIONS
Chapter 11
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XI: THE INSTITUTION OF SPIES
Chapter 12
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XII: INSTITUTION OF SPIES
Chapter 13
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XIII: PROTECTION OF PARTIES FOR OR
Chapter 14
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XIV: WINNING OVER FACTIONS FOR OR
Chapter 15
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XIV: THE DUTIES OF THE STATE
Chapter 16
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XV: THE BUSINESS OF COUNCIL MEETING
Chapter 17
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XV: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 18
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XVI: THE MISSION OF ENVOYS
Chapter 19
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XVI: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 20
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XVII: PROTECTION OF PRINCES
Chapter 21
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XVIII: THE CONDUCT OF A PRINCE KEPT
Chapter 22
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XIX: THE DUTIES OF A KING
Chapter 23
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XX: DUTY TOWARDS THE HAREM
Chapter 24
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXI: PERSONAL SAFETY
Chapter 25
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXVI: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 26
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXVII: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 27
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXVIII: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SHIPS
Chapter 28
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXIX: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF COWS
Chapter 29
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXX: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF HORSES
Chapter 30
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXXI: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 31
Book 1 (Concerning Discipline), Chapter XXXII: TRAINING OF ELEPHANTS
Chapter 32
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter I: FORMATION OF VILLAGES
Chapter 33
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter I: DETERMINATION OF FORMS OF
Chapter 34
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter II: DIVISION OF LAND
Chapter 35
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter II: CONCERNING MARRIAGE. THE DUTY OF
Chapter 36
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter III: CONSTRUCTION OF FORTS
Chapter 37
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter IV: BUILDINGS WITHIN THE FORT
Chapter 38
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter V: THE DUTIES OF THE CHAMBERLAIN
Chapter 39
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter VI: THE BUSINESS OF COLLECTION OF
Chapter 40
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter VII: THE BUSINESS OF KEEPING UP
Chapter 41
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter VII: DETECTION OF WHAT IS EMBEZZLED
Chapter 42
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter IX: EXAMINATION OF THE CONDUCT OF
Chapter 43
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter X: THE PROCEDURE OF FORMING ROYAL
Chapter 44
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XI: EXAMINATION OF GEMS THAT ARE TO
Chapter 45
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XII: CONDUCTING MINING OPERATIONS
Chapter 46
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XIII: SUPERINTENDENT OF GOLD IN THE
Chapter 47
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XVII: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FOREST
Chapter 48
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XVIII: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE
Chapter 49
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XVIII: DEFAMATION
Chapter 50
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XIX: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF WEIGHTS
Chapter 51
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XX: MEASUREMENT OF SPACE AND TIME
Chapter 52
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXI: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF TOLLS
Chapter 53
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXII: REGULATION OF TOLL-DUES
Chapter 54
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXIII: SUPERINTENDENT OF WEAVING
Chapter 55
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXIV: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 56
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXV: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF LIQUOR
Chapter 57
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXXIII: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 58
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXXIV: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
Chapter 59
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXXV: THE DUTY OF
Chapter 60
Book 2 (The Duties of Government Superintendents), Chapter XXXVI: THE DUTY OF A CITY
Chapter 61
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter III: THE DUTY OF A WIFE; MAINTENANCE
Chapter 62
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter IV: VAGRANCY, ELOPEMENT AND SHORT
Chapter 63
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter V: DIVISION OF INHERITANCE
Chapter 64
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter VI: SPECIAL SHARES IN INHERITANCE
Chapter 65
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter VII: DISTINCTION BETWEEN SONS
Chapter 66
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter VIII: BUILDINGS
Chapter 67
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter IX: SALE OF BUILDINGS, BOUNDARY
Chapter 68
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter X: DESTRUCTION OF PASTURE-LANDS,
Chapter 69
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XI: RECOVERY OF DEBTS
Chapter 70
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XII: CONCERNING DEPOSITS
Chapter 71
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XIV: RULES REGARDING LABOURERS; AND
Chapter 72
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XV: RESCISSION OF PURCHASE AND SALE
Chapter 73
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XVI: RESUMPTION OF GIFTS, SALE
Chapter 74
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XVII: ROBBERY
Chapter 75
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XIX: ASSAULT
Chapter 76
Book 3 (Concerning Law), Chapter XX: GAMBLING AND BETTING AND
Chapter 77
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter I: PROTECTION OF ARTISANS
Chapter 78
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter I: CONCERNING THE AWARDS OF
Chapter 79
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter II: PROTECTION OF MERCHANTS
Chapter 80
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter II: REPLENISHMENT OF THE TREASURY
Chapter 81
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter III: REMEDIES AGAINST NATIONAL
Chapter 82
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter IV: SUPPRESSION OF THE WICKED LIVING
Chapter 83
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter V: DETECTION OF YOUTHS OF CRIMINAL
Chapter 84
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter VI: SEIZURE OF CRIMINALS ON SUSPICION
Chapter 85
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter VII: EXAMINATION OF SUDDEN DEATH
Chapter 86
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter VIII: TRIAL AND TORTURE TO ELICIT
Chapter 87
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter IX: PROTECTION OF ALL KINDS OF
Chapter 88
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter X: FINES IN LIEU OF MUTILATION OF
Chapter 89
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter XI: DEATH WITH OR WITHOUT TORTURE
Chapter 90
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter XII: SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH
Chapter 91
Book 4 (The Removal of Thorns), Chapter XIII: PUNISHMENT FOR VIOLATING
Chapter 92
Book 5 (The Conduct of Courtiers), Chapter II: CONCERNING SUBSISTENCE TO
Chapter 93
Book 5 (The Conduct of Courtiers), Chapter IV: THE CONDUCT OF A COURTIER
Chapter 94
Book 5 (The Conduct of Courtiers), Chapter V: TIME-SERVING
Chapter 95
Book 5 (The Conduct of Courtiers), Chapter VI: CONSOLIDATION OF THE KINGDOM
Chapter 96
Book 6 (The Source of Sovereign States), Chapter I: THE ELEMENTS OF SOVEREIGNTY
Chapter 97
Book 6 (The Source of Sovereign States), Chapter II: CONCERNING PEACE AND EXERTION
Chapter 98
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter I: THE SIX-FOLD POLICY, AND
Chapter 99
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter I: THE AGGREGATE OF THE CALAMITIES
Chapter 100
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter II: THE NATURE OF ALLIANCE
Chapter 101
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter III: THE CHARACTER OF EQUAL, INFERIOR
Chapter 102
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter IV: NEUTRALITY AFTER PROCLAIMING
Chapter 103
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter V: CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT MARCHING
Chapter 104
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter VI: THE MARCH OF COMBINED POWERS;
Chapter 105
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter VII: PEACE AND WAR BY ADOPTING THE
Chapter 106
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter VIII: THE ATTITUDE OF AN ASSAILABLE
Chapter 107
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter IX: AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
Chapter 108
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter X: AGREEMENT OF PEACE FOR THE
Chapter 109
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter XI: INTERMINABLE AGREEMENT
Chapter 110
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter XIII: CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT AN ENEMY
Chapter 111
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter XIV: RECRUITMENT OF LOST POWER
Chapter 112
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter XV: MEASURES CONDUCIVE TO PEACE
Chapter 113
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter XVI: THE ATTITUDE OF A CONQUERED
Chapter 114
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter XVII: MAKING PEACE AND BREAKING IT
Chapter 115
Book 7 (The End of the Six-Fold Policy), Chapter XVIII: THE CONDUCT OF A MADHYAMA
Chapter 116
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter I: THE AGGREGATE OF THE CALAMITIES
Chapter 117
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter II: CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT THE
Chapter 118
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter II: THE AGGREGATE OF THE TROUBLE
Chapter 119
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter III: THE AGGREGATE OF THE TROUBLE OF
Chapter 120
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter IV: THE GROUP OF MOLESTATIONS, THE
Chapter 121
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter IV: THE GROUP OF MOLESTATIONS, THE
Chapter 122
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter V: THE GROUP OF TROUBLES OF THE
Chapter 123
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter V: THE GROUP OF TROUBLES OF THE
Chapter 124
Book 8 (Concerning Vices and Calamities), Chapter XII: AGREEMENT FOR UNDERTAKING A
Chapter 125
Book 9 (The Work of an Invader), Chapter I: THE KNOWLEDGE OF POWER, PLACE,
Chapter 126
Book 9 (The Work of an Invader), Chapter II: THE TIME OF RECRUITING THE ARMY;
Chapter 127
Book 9 (The Work of an Invader), Chapter III: CONSIDERATION OF ANNOYANCE IN
Chapter 128
Book 9 (The Work of an Invader), Chapter IV: CONSIDERATION ABOUT LOSS OF MEN,
Chapter 129
Book 9 (The Work of an Invader), Chapter V: EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL DANGERS
Chapter 130
Book 9 (The Work of an Invader), Chapter VI: PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH TRAITORS
Chapter 131
Book 9 (The Work of an Invader), Chapter VII: DOUBTS ABOUT WEALTH AND HARM;
Chapter 132
Book 10 (Relating to War), Chapter I: ENCAMPMENT
Chapter 133
Book 10 (Relating to War), Chapter I: MARCH OF THE CAMP; AND
Chapter 134
Book 10 (Relating to War), Chapter III: FORMS OF TREACHEROUS FIGHTS;
Chapter 135
Book 10 (Relating to War), Chapter IV: BATTLEFIELDS; THE WORK OF
Chapter 136
Book 10 (Relating to War), Chapter V: THE DISTINCTIVE ARRAY OF TROOPS IN
Chapter 137
Book 10 (Relating to War), Chapter VI: THE ARRAY OF THE ARMY LIKE A
Chapter 138
Book 11 (The Conduct of Corporations), Chapter I: CAUSES OF DISSENSION; AND SECRET
Chapter 139
Book 12 (Concerning a Powerful Enemy), Chapter I: THE DUTIES OF A MESSENGER
Chapter 140
Book 12 (Concerning a Powerful Enemy), Chapter I: SOWING THE SEEDS OF DISSENSION
Chapter 141
Book 12 (Concerning a Powerful Enemy), Chapter II: BATTLE OF INTRIGUE
Chapter 142
Book 12 (Concerning a Powerful Enemy), Chapter III: SLAYING THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
Chapter 143
Book 12 (Concerning a Powerful Enemy), Chapter IV: SPIES WITH WEAPONS, FIRE, AND
Chapter 144
Book 12 (Concerning a Powerful Enemy), Chapter V: CAPTURE OF THE ENEMY BY MEANS OF
Chapter 145
Book 13 (Strategic Means to Capture a Fortress), Chapter II: ENTICEMENT OF KINGS BY SECRET
Chapter 146
Book 13 (Strategic Means to Capture a Fortress), Chapter III: THE WORK OF SPIES IN A SIEGE
Chapter 147
Book 13 (Strategic Means to Capture a Fortress), Chapter IV: THE OPERATION OF A SIEGE
Chapter 148
Book 13 (Strategic Means to Capture a Fortress), Chapter V: RESTORATION OF PEACE IN A
Chapter 149
Book 14 (Secret Means), Chapter I: MEANS TO INJURE AN ENEMY
Chapter 150
Book 14 (Secret Means), Chapter I: PARAGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS OF THIS
Chapter 151
Book 14 (Secret Means), Chapter II: WONDERFUL AND DELUSIVE
Chapter 152
Book 14 (Secret Means), Chapter III: THE APPLICATION OF MEDICINES AND
Chapter 153
Book 14 (Secret Means), Chapter IV: REMEDIES AGAINST THE INJURIES OF