This book in Sanskrit was written by Kautilya, a contemporary of Chandragupta Maurya.
Kautilya was also called ‘Indian Machiavelli’.
The manuscript of Arthasastra was first discovered by R. Shama Sastri in 1904.
Additional Information
Visakadatta’s Mudrarakshasa:
The Mudrarakshasa was the drama written by Visakadatta in Sanskrit.
It also gives an account on the socio-economic condition under the Mauryas.
Megasthenes’ Indica:
Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
It gives a detailed account about the Mauryan administration, particularly the administration of the capital city of Pataliputra and also the military organization.
Chandragupta Maurya (322 – 298 B.C.):
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Chandragupta embraced Jainism towards the end of his life.
He went to Sravana Belgola, near Mysore along with Jain monks led by Bhadrabhahu and starved himself to death.