Our ancient Indian and traditional management books—being based on sound principles—have always had a lot of depth. This is the reason they have survived the test of time. Still, readers keep writing in with queries on the relation these age-old books have with today’s world.
Well, they are in august company.
Being in the field of corporate training and strategic management consulting, I have also been asked by various directors, CEOs and chairmen: “What’s so special about Chanakya (or Kautilya) and his book Arthashastra that makes it so relevant even in the modern business world?”
Now this is a very interesting question for all those who want to study and practise Arthashastra.
Therefore, in today’s article, I will talk about two very strong reasons that make the book Kautilya’s Arthashastra an eternal masterpiece, and Chanakya himself an unforgettable legend.
A subject called ‘Anuveshiki’
One of the most striking features of the Arthashastra is that it is a logical book. Before studying this book, kings had to go through a foundation course to prepare them for the higher knowledge of politics. In Arthashastra itself, Chanakya suggests that a student who wants to master this book should first study a subject called Anuveshiki. This Sanskrit terminology is very hard to translate, but the nearest word in English could be ‘Logic’. So Chanakya calls for a student’s ability in logical thinking to be developed first and foremost.
Only a selfless leader can serve others properly.
Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian management thinker, author, and Founder of Atma Darshan and Chanakya Aanvikshiki. Dr Pillai has extensively researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the 3rd century BC treatise and incorporated it into modern management.
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