Knowledge Bank

Why is Arthashastra so famous?

Arthashastra is a vast and in-depth treatise on statecraft, warcraft, and economics. The Mauryan empire extending from the middle east up to Bengal was created based on the principles of Arthashastra. It has a lot of contemporary relevance even though it was written nearly 25 centuries ago. Many of our statesmen and policymakers have been inspired by and drawn ideas from the Arthashastra.

Problem with modern philosophical interpretations

Imagine you have an old, intricate map that details a vast, ancient forest. Over time, people create simplified maps based on this original, leaving out many details. These simplified maps, though easier to understand, lose the depth and accuracy of the original. Similarly, modern philosophical discourse often simplifies or omits the nuanced definitions found in ancient scriptures. Contemporary philosophy might discuss the concept of the self (Atman) using modern psychological terms but miss out on the deep, spiritual insights provided by ancient scriptures. This disconnect can lead to a superficial understanding of the self.