PHILOSOPHY OF ARTHASASTRA

Arthasastra is defined as a science which is the

means of acquisition and protection of the earth.
Artha is regarded as one of the important goals of
human existence; the other being dharma, kama and
moksha. Artha is usually “Understood to stand for
material well being as well as the means of securing
such well beings particularly wealth” the Arthasastra
views the pursuit of artha, as the primary goal of
human existence. Kautilya considers the artha as
most important. He indicates that arjana, vardhana
and raksana as three important aspect of the artha or
the “wealth of nation”.

Leaders as achievers/vijigsu
Arthasastra views the man in leadership position as
a vijigsu, i.e. desirous of vijaya. Vijigsu is an all
encompassing phrase, denoting the “overall
achievement orientation” of the leader. However, this
achievement orientation is not guided by the narrow
self-interest, but by the yogakshema i.e. well- beings ,
prosperity, happiness and security of the subjects or the
organizational members. It may be indicated that “yoga
refers to the successful accomplishment of the object
while kshema refers t the peaceful, undisturbed’
environment.
The idea mentioned above, when applied in the context
Of modern organizations, suggests that a modern
business vijigsu’s strategic actions should be guided by
his desire to expand his organization’s territories which
may include the product and market territories as well
as influence territory. This, however, should be guided
by the organizational yogakshema.

Leader use of Authority/Power/Danda:

On the use of authority or power to punish kautilya
cautions his ideal king to use it judiciously. Further, he
advises to the protect the weak from the stronger for the
King severe with the rod, becomes a source of terror
beings . The king mild with the road, is despised. The
king, just with rod, is honoured”.

Kauthilya’s idea on use of authority/power/ danda can

be diagrammatically presented as kautilyan u-curve.
Present this curve. Where in x axis represents the
severity of the rod and y axis represents the level of
kopa. Most managers tend to operate in the mid-region
of this curve.

Concern for people:

Arthasastra brings out the concern for people as
one of the main ideas. It is suggested that the actions of
the leader should be guided by this concern. The
concept of yougakshema reflects this voncern. “In the
happiness of the subject lies the happiness of the king
and in what is beneficial to the subjects is his own
benefit. What is beneficial to himself is not beneficial to
the king, but what is dear to the subjects is beneficial to
him.

Reason and experience as guides for action:

Kautilya’s leader is guided by reason and experience.
Leader’s actions should be based on both reason as well
as past experience. “With the aid of the former, he
analyses and with the help of the Latter, draws general
conclusion. Thus, kautilya emphasizes the importance
of rationality as well as past theory- practice gap has
also bee emphasized. “One conversant with the science,
not experienced in practical affairs, would come to grief
in undertakings”. Thus, the importance of the practical
experience has also been emphasized.

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