Chanakya Quotes and the "Arthashastra" Centennial.

Every year we celebrate or commemorate some or the other occasion and I am not merely referring to festivals. This year (year 2009 or more precisely on February 12th, 2009) we commemorated the bicentennial or the 200th anniversary of the birth of two historic figures, whose ideas and actions shaped the modern world - the evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin and President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States (US), who successfully led the US through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery. As the war was drawing to a close, Lincoln became the first American President to be assassinated. Special events marking the occasion are planned throughout the world especially in England where Darwin was born on February 12th in 1809 (coincidentally, Lincoln too was born on the same day). This year's also the 150th anniversary of the publication of the famed naturalist's most important work, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection," a book that revolutionized the science of biology, and despite enormous amounts of evidence in its favour remains controversial to this day. A series of events (especially in the US, in the UK and other parts of Europe) will take this opportunity to reflect on both Darwin's and Lincoln's roles in the history of ideas and to celebrate their lives.

On the other hand, we have succeeded in completely overlooking another important occasion - the 100th anniversary of the publication of the "Arthashastra," - (written in the period 321 - 296 B.C.) - the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy, authored by the the world's original political realist, Chanakya (also known as Kautilya). Kautilya's long forgotten wisdom from the 3rd and 4th century B.C. was restored to modern India when Dr. R. Shamashastri of Mysore discovered a manuscript of the "Arthashastra" in 1904, then edited and published it to great acclaim in 1909. Please read my blogs: "The Genius of Chanakya, the Man of Destiny." and "Chanakya, the 'Yug Purush' and the Chanakya legend." to know more about the life and times of this great polymath, this visionary... this Yug Purush.

For scientists, Darwin’s 200th birthday anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how far knowledge about our natural world has come since the publication of the "On the Origin of Species," and to examine the future direction of biology and other disciplines. For historians and political scientists, the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday has taken on a whole new meaning with the election of the first African American President, and Lincoln’s eloquent words will be featured, perhaps more than ever before. As it becomes more consequential for world politics in the twenty-first century, India would do well to revisit her own realist tradition so solidly reflected in the "Ramayana," the "Mahabharata," the "Panchatantra," the "Arthashastra," the "Nitishastra," the "Shukra-Niti," the "Niti-Shataka," and the "Brihaspati Samhita" of "Garuda Purana," among others. There is a need for a rising India to create a strategic vocabulary - one which is her very own. It has been all too easy to borrow political terminology from the West. Chanakya (also referred to as Kautilya), who preceded Niccolò Machiavelli by more than a millennium, should be seen as the world's original political realist. The very fact that Chanakya made his arguments about statecraft, power and governance, without a reference to religion or divinity, makes him a true political scientist as well as the founder/father of political science. The stress was not on "religion" but on "dharma," that elusive word which lays down what is right and indicates one's righteous duty. He was also the pioneer economist of the world.

There is a need for some serious introspection, a need for soul searching - to understand as to where we went wrong in the last millennium or in the last one thousand years, that the great Empires and the Vedic civilization collapsed, that this great land saw the advent of conquerors after conquerors... the ones who could not be rebuffed or defeated, and this land was plundered of her wealth and saw the forced demise of a part of her culture. Paying mere lip service to our culture and traditions and reminiscing about our past glories will not do and is not enough. A glorious past is no guarantee for a shining future unless we are prepared to jettison petty-mindedness for serious intent to execute the common goal of making India (Bharatavarsha) emerge as a great power in the 21st century.

It is said that, "Rome was not built in a day," and today (21st April, 2009) is the 2,762nd anniversary of the founding of Rome (according to the Gruppo Storico Romano or the Roman Historical Group). The Romans are celebrating big time, despite the fact that the actual date is lost in the mists of time. The Ancient Roman society is important to modern times, especially in the West where it is seen as a touchstone of civilisation. They left behind detailed legal and civil documents, complex engineering solutions and the linguistic and political legacy of a unified Europe. (Yet its foundation anniversary is based on the myth of the twin brothers - Romulus and Remus, sons of a priestess and the God of war, who were suckled by a wolf and each founded a city on the seven hills before Romulus murdered Remus). Rome was founded in the late Vedic era, during which the sophisticated Indian (Indus/Vedic) civilisation and culture surpassed any in the West. They already had complex political and social systems, astronomy, vedic mathematics, geometry, economics, military science, medicines and surgery, even veterinary science. They could cure cataract, calculate to the power of 10, were aware of such concepts as gravitation, and the value of pi were common knowledge. The Indian numerals which is the first positional base 10 numeral systems in the world have originated from Gupta India (during the Gupta Empire - early 4th to mid-8th century AD; other records suggest it was between 240 - 550 AD). They even knew that calendars must include leap years. The great epics, the "Ramayana" and the "Mahabharata", were written, as well as many sacred texts while the Vedas are timeless - they are as old as time itself. The Sanskrit language, like Latin, has devolved into many languages that are spoken today. It is seldom realized that even in the "Ramayana" and the "Mahabharata" there are innumerable references to technology, arts, sports, music, dance, architecture, weaponry, defense, textiles, navigation and metallurgy.

Today, the names of such luminaries as, Kalidas, Panini, Bhasa, Bana, Varahamihira and Bhartrahari remain faint memories. Charaka, Sushruta, Bhaskaracharya or Lilavati are names that rarely evoke recognition. Other names that have faded into oblivion are those of the famous mathematician-astronomers, Varahamihira and Aryabhatta. Aryabhatta is believed to be the first to have come up with the concept of zero, postulated the theory that the Earth moves round the Sun, and studied the solar and lunar eclipses. Even the 4th century AD Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, who was a great playwright, and who wrote plays such as the "Shakuntala," (which is said to have inspired the celebrated German poet, novelist and playwright, Goethe), and marked the highest point of Sanskrit literature (infact, he is often wrongly referred to as the "Shakespeare" of India) is all but a distant memory today. In the past, in her own way India excelled in many fields including - and that should not come as a surprise - science, arts, medicine, engineering, politics, economics, warfare and governance.

I have listed down some of Chanakya's teachings from the "Arthasastra," which is a monumental treatise of the ancient world that possesses great importance even in these times, over here:

1. "Do not be very upright in your dealings for you would see by going to the forest that straight trees are cut down while crooked ones are left standing."

2. "The serpent, the King, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the dog owned by other people, and the fool: these seven ought not to be awakened from sleep."

3. "The happiness and peace attained by those satisfied by the nectar of spiritual tranquillity is not attained by greedy persons restlessly moving here and there."

4. "He who lives in our mind is near though he may actually be far away; but he who is not in our heart is far though he may really be nearby."

5. "Do not keep company with a fool for as we can see he is a two-legged beast. Like an unseen thorn he pierces the heart with his sharp words."

6. "Purity of speech, of the mind, of the senses, and the of a compassionate heart are needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform."

7. "Let not a single day pass without your learning a verse, half a verse, or a fourth of it, or even one letter of it; nor without attending to charity, study and other pious activity."

8. "One whose knowledge is confined to books and whose wealth is in the possession of others, can use neither his knowledge nor wealth when the need for them arises."

9. "We should not fret for what is past, nor should we be anxious about the future; men of discernment deal only with the present moment."

10. "He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus one should discard attachment to be happy."

11. "The one excellent thing that can be learned from a lion is that whatever a man intends doing should be done by him with a whole-hearted and strenuous effort."

12. "A debt should be paid off till the last penny, and an enemy should be destroyed till the last trace."

13. "Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise council keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution."

14. "There is poison in the fang of the serpent, in the mouth of the fly and in the sting of a scorpion; but the wicked man is saturated with it."

15. "Water is the medicine for indigestion; it is invigorating when the food that is eaten is well digested; it is like nectar when drunk in the middle of a dinner; and it is like poison when taken at the end of a meal."

16. "There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind, and there is no happiness equal to contentment; there is no disease like covetousness, and no virtue like mercy."

17. "Who is there who has not been overcome by the ravages of time? What beggar has attained glory? Who has become happy by contracting the vices of the wicked?"

18. "The life of an uneducated man is as useless as the tail of a dog which neither covers its rear end, nor protects it from the bites of insects."

19. "Even as the unborn babe is in the womb of his mother, these five are fixed as his life destiny: his life span, his activities, his acquisition of wealth and knowledge, and his time of death."

20. "If one has a good disposition, what other virtue is needed? If a man has fame, what is the value of other ornamentation?"

21. "A man is born alone and dies alone; and he experiences the good and bad consequences of his karma alone; and he goes alone to hell or the Supreme abode."

22. "The earth is supported by the power of truth; it is the power of truth that makes the sun shine and the winds blow; indeed all things rest upon truth."

23. "Moral excellence is an ornament for personal beauty; righteous conduct, for high birth; success for learning; and proper spending for wealth."

24. "It is better to die than to preserve this life by incurring disgrace. The loss of life causes but a moment's grief, but disgrace brings grief every day of one's life."

25. "He who shall practice these twenty virtues shall become invincible in all his undertakings."

26. "As a single withered tree, if set aflame, causes a whole forest to burn, so does a rascal son destroy a whole family."

27. "Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth."

28. "As soon as the fear approaches near, attack it and destroy it."

29. "Although an ass is tired, he continues to carry his burden; he is unmindful of cold and heat; and he is always contented; these three things should be learned from the ass."

30. "What is it that escapes the observation of poets? What is that act women are incapable of doing? What will drunken people not prate? What will not a crow eat?"

31. "As long as your body is healthy and under control and death is distant, try to save your soul; when death is immanent what can you do?"

32. "Scriptural lessons not put into practice are poison; a meal is poison to him who suffers from indigestion; a social gathering is poison to a poverty stricken person; and a young wife is poison to an aged man."

33. "The wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of his place, time and ability."

34. "O wise man! Give your wealth only to the worthy and never to others. The water of the sea received by the clouds is always sweet."

35. "Rain which falls upon the sea is useless; so is food for one who is satiated; in vain is a gift for one who is wealthy; and a burning lamp during the daytime is useless."

36. "Before you start any work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it? What the results might be? And Will I be successful? Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."

37. "Even if a snake is not venomous, it should pretend to be."

38. "He who befriends a man whose conduct is vicious, whose vision impure, and who is notoriously crooked, is rapidly ruined."

39. "Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness." Variant version: "Friendship should be among equals."

40. "The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you."

Note on Machiavelli: Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (3 May 1469 - 21 June 1527) - was a philosopher, writer and Italian politician, considered to be the founder of modern political science. As a Renaissance Man, he was a diplomat, political philosopher, musician, poet, and playwright, but, foremost, he was a Civil Servant of the Florentine Republic. He is most famous for a short political treatise, "Il Principe" ("The Prince"), a work of realist political theory, however, both it and the more substantive republican Discourses on Livy went unpublished until the 1530s - after Machiavelli's death. Although he privately circulated "The Prince" among friends, the only work he published in his life was, "The Art of War," about high-military science. Since the sixteenth century, generations of politicians remain attracted and repelled by the cynical (realist) approach to power exposited in The Prince, the Discourses and the History. Whatever his personal intentions (still debated even to this day), his surname yielded the modern political words, "Machiavelli" (a person of acute and scheming intelligence) and "Machiavellianism" (the employment of cunning and deceit/duplicity in politics/statecraft or in general conduct) - according to the OED - and was first cited in 1626. The word has a similar use in modern psychology.

Machiavelli, according to the popular view, although this is disputed at least in part by most Machiavelli scholars, held that people were by nature untrustworthy, malevolent and self-serving, and thus those in power could only maintain their position through exploitative and deceitful actions. See also Machiavellian intelligence.

Note: Information gathered courtesy Wikipedia and thinkexist.com. Pictures courtesy Wikipedia.

Photographs: (in clockwise order)

1. A picture depicting Chanakya (or Kautilya) writing the "Chanakya Niti."

2. A picture of the the evolutionary biologist, Charles Darwin.

3. A photo-portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.

4. A portrait of Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli by Santi di Tito.

Chanakya, the 'Yug Purush' and the Chanakya legend.

Please visit my previous blog: "The Genius of Chanakya, the Man of Destiny." to read about the life and times of this great man, this visionary, this 'Yug Purush'.

I am tempted to attempt a definition of the word 'Yug Purush'. The renowned American thinker, poet, author, historian, philosopher and leading transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau said, "A man is wise with the wisdom of his time only, and ignorant with its ignorance." This is true of people like us, because we are mere ordinary mortals, ordinary people. But, in every era/age (yuga), a handful of people appear amidst us once in a while, who prove to be an exception to this rule. At one level, these exceptional and extraordinary people are products of their time. But at another level they transcend their times. Their perceptions, their insights, their thoughts, their actions and their concerns are truly universal, in time and space; they are neither constrained by the circumstances of their birth nor are they limited by the ignorance of their time. They are truely incomparable. Chanakya (also known as Kautilya) is one such exceptional transcendental 'Yug Purush', who belongs to all 'Yugas'. In these times of turbulence and violence - the 'Kali Yuga' - his thinking, his teachings and his philosophy are even more relevant. I, therefore, take this as an opportunity to pay my humble tributes to this legendary polymath, this 'Yug Purush'.

Chanakya, the 'Yug Purush': Both Draupadi and Chanakya were from two different eras (yugas), yet they have left their footprints on the sands of time and their actions had far-reaching and epoch-making consequences. The events of the 'Ramayana' took place in the 'Treta Yuga', when the world was largely uncorrupted (the 'Treta Yuga' is preceded by the the 'Satya Yuga' - an age of perfect morality); while the events of the 'Mahabharata' happened much later, at the end of the 'Dvapara Yuga', the "Age of Two," when the world was far more grim and corrupt than it was during Lord Rama's time. The violent and tragic events at the end of the 'Mahabharata' mark the end of the 'Dvapara Yuga' and the beginning of the 'Kali Yuga', the worst age of the world. In some ways, the entire story of the 'Mahabharata' is an explanation of how our (current) world, the world of the 'Kali Yuga', came into being, and how things got to be as bad/difficult as they are. The 'Ramayana' has its share of suffering and even betrayal, but nothing to match the relentless hatred and vengeance of the 'Mahabharata'. The culmination of the 'Mahabharata' is the 'Battle of Kurukshetra' (Kurukshetra War) when two bands of brothers, the 'Pandavas' and the 'Kauravas', the sons of two brothers and thus cousins to one another, fight each other to death, brutally and cruelly, until the entire race is almost wiped out. The 'Mahabharata' itself ends with the death of Lord Krishna (according to the 'Puranas', this 'yuga' - 'Dvapara Yuga' - ended at the moment when Lord Krishna - an incarnation of Lord Vishnu - returned to his eternal abode of 'Vaikuntha'), and the subsequent end of his dynasty, and the ascent of the 'Pandava' brothers to heaven. It also marks the beginning of the age of 'Kali' ('Kali Yuga'), the fourth and the final age of mankind, where all the great values and noble ideas have crumbled, and mankind is heading towards the complete dissolution of righteous action, morality and virtue. It was this age that 'Chanakya' was a part of, and can be rightly referred to as a 'Yug Purush'. 'Kali Yuga' is associated with the apocalypse demon 'Kali', not be confused with the 'Goddess Kālī', as these are unrelated words in the Sanskrit language. The "Kali" of 'Kali Yuga' means, "strife, discord, quarrel, or contention." The 'Kali Yuga' is traditionally thought to last 4,32,000 Human years. According to Aryabhatta, the great mathematician-astronomer from the classical age, 'Kali Yuga' began in 3102 B.C., at the end of the 'Dvapara Yuga' that was marked by the disappearance of Lord Vishnu's Krishna Avatar. Aryabhatta's date is widely repeated in modern Hinduism. The beginning of the new 'Yuga' (era) is known as "Yugadi/Ugadi", and is celebrated every year on the first day (Paadyami) of the first month (Chaitramu) of the 12-month annual cycle. The "Ugadi" of 1999 commences the year 1921 of the 'Shalivahana' era (5101 'Kali Yuga', 1999 AD). The end of the 'Kali Yuga' is 426,899 years from 1921.

An overview of the 'Yugas': 1. 'Sat Yuga'/'Satya Yuga' ('Krita Yuga'): 1,728,000 Human years; 2. 'Treta Yuga': 1,296,000 Human years; 3. 'Dwapar Yuga': 864,000 Human years ; and 4. 'Kali Yuga': 432,000 Human years (5,110 years have passed; 426,890 years remain). 'Kali Yuga' started in 3102 B.C.; CE 2008 corresponds to 'Kali Yuga' year 5,110. Therefore, the wait for Lord Vishnu's tenth and final Maha Avatara (great incarnation) - "Kalki" - who will come to end the present age of darkness and destruction known as the 'Kali Yuga' - continues. The name "Kalki" is often a metaphor for eternity or time. I have noticed that Jesus Christ is depicted in many places dressed in white robes and riding a white horse... but I do not think that Christ was "Kalki." Similarly, I also rule out the possibility of Bhagavan Mahavira being "Kalki." According to Hindu cosmology, the world is created, destroyed and recreated every 4,320,000 years ('Maha Yuga'). The cycles are said to repeat like the seasons, waxing and waning within a greater time-cycle of the creation and destruction of the Universe. Like the Summer, Spring, Winter and Autumn, each 'yuga' involves stages or gradual changes which the Earth and the consciousness of mankind goes through as a whole. A complete 'yuga' cycle from a high 'Golden Age' of enlightenment to a 'Dark Age' and back again is said to be caused by the Solar system's motion around a central Sun.

Modern interpretations of the "Kalki" prophecy (Wikipedia): Many modern writers have attempted to link figures from comparatively recent history to "Kalki." Given the traditional account of the 'Kali Yuga' lasting 432,000 years and having began in 3102 BCE, it makes these claims disputed. Some scholars such as Sri Yukteswar Giri and David Frawley have claimed that there are intermediate cycles within the 432,000 year cycle.

• Pandit Ved Prakash Upadhyay has argued in his book "Kalki Autar aur Muhammad Sahib," that Prophet Muhammad completed all the prophecies of the "Kalki" avatar. The book "Muhammad in the Hindu Scriptures," claims to be based on research from all the Vedas, the Puranas and the Upanishads to claim that Prophet Muhammad was the last and final messenger.
  
• The Ismaili Khojas, a Shia muslim group from Gujarat and Sindh and followers of the Aga khan, believe in the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. According to their tradition, Imam Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad was "Kalki."
  
• Some adherents of the Bahá'í Faith have interpreted the prophecies of Kalki's arrival as being references to the arrival of their messenger Bahá'u'lláh, this has played a major role in the growth of the Bahá'í Faith in India.
  
• In his book, "The Aquarian Message," Samael Aun Weor claims to be the "Kalki" Avatar.
  
• In their books, "The Avatar of What Is," by Carolyn Lee and "Holy Madness," by Georg Feuerstein, they identify claims that Adi Da was the "Kalki" Avatar.

While many Hindus reject the idea of 'avatars' outside of the traditional Hindu faith, some Hindus with an universalist outlook view the central figures of various non-Hindu religions as 'avatars'. Some of these religious figures include:

• Jesus whose teachings inspired Christianity. See also Incarnation (Christianity).
  
• Zoroaster (Zarathustra) the Prophet of Zoroastrianism.

The Chanakya Legend: There are several legends associated with this great political and military genius. Over time myth has mingled with reality and often overtaken it; the current environment of despair feeds the legend. Perhaps the lack or the absence of inspirational and towering personalities (in the mould of Chanakya) and an abundance of 'little Einsteins' continue to feed the legend.

Thomas R. Trautmann has listed down the following elements as common to the different forms of the Chanakya legend:

• Chanakya was born with a complete set of teeth, a sign that he would become a King, this was considered inappropriate for a Brahmin like Chanakya. Chānakya's teeth were therefore broken, and it was prophesied that he will rule through another.
  
• The Nanda King (Dhana Nanda) threw Chānakya out of his Court, prompting Chānakya to swear revenge.
  
• Chānakya searched for one worthy man or disciple for him to rule through. Chānakya encountered a young Chandragupta Maurya who was a born leader and displayed character, courage and leadership qualities right from his childhood.
  
• Chānakya's initial attempt to overthrow the Nanda King failed, thereafter he came across a mother rebuking her child for burning himself by eating from the middle of a bun or a bowl of porridge rather than from the cooler edge. This incident served as an eye-opener for Chānakya and he realized his initial strategic error and, instead of attacking at the heart of the Nanda territory, slowly chiped away at its edges.
  
• Chānakya discontinued his alliance with the Himalayan King Parvatka due to the latter's obstinacy and non-adherence to the principles of the treaty as agreed between them.
  
• Chānakya enlisted the services of a fanatical weaver to rid the kingdom of rebels.
  
• Chānakya used to add small quantities of poison in the food eaten by Chandragupta Maurya, now the Emperor, in order to make him immune. Unaware of this, Chandragupta feeds some of his food to his Queen, who was then in her ninth month of pregnancy. Not used to eating poisoned food, the Queen died. In order to save the unborn baby - the heir to the throne, Chānakya cut open the belly of the dead Queen and took out the baby and called/named him 'Bindusāra' because he was touched by a 'drop' ('bindu' in Sanskrit) of the poisoned blood - on his head.
  
• Chānakya's political rivalry with Subandhu (a Minister under the then Emperor Bindusāra) led to his (Chanakya's) death.
• Legend has it that once the Mauryan forces were hiding in a cave. There was no food and the soldiers were starving. They could not come out of the cave either, as there was a threat to their lives. One day, Chanakya saw an ant carrying a grain of rice, whereas, there was no sign of food or grain anywhere. Moreover, the grain of rice was cooked. Chanakya ordered the soldiers to search everywhere (for the source of the grain of rice) and they found that their enemies had been dining under the cave - somewhat similar to that of a ground floor. As soon as they discovered this, they escaped and thus were saved.
  
• According to a Kashmiri version of his legend, once when a thorn had pricked Chānakya on the foot, he uprooted the tree and poured buttermilk in the roots.
  

Here is the link that leads to "Chanakya Neetishashtra:" http://www.scribd.com/doc/6910747/Chanakya-Neetishashtra

Chanakya's teachings and philosophy are very profound yet so simple. The hallmark of great science is indeed simplicity. Equations like E = mc2 or F = ma are path-breaking, simply because they are so simple. Similarly, the greatest of philosophies or knowledge or teachings are rooted in simplicity.

Note: Information gathered and photographs - courtesy Wikipedia.

Photographs: (in clockwise order)

1) A picture depicting Chanakya writing the "Chanakya Niti."

2) A Copper engraving of "Kalki" - from the late 18th century.

3) A stone plaque depicting "Kalki" - from the 18th century.

The Genius of Chanakya, the Man of Destiny.

We all have our Hero(s)/Heroine(s)... who have influenced us at some point or the other in our lives, who we have looked up to and literally worshipped and still do... who have always been larger than life... and will forever remain so - in our hearts and thoughts. From the fictional characters to the greatest sportspersons, from the silverscreen and entertainment Czars/Czarinas to the historical figures, from the epics and the mythological figures to the legends of another age, another time... our Hero(s)/Heroine(s) have been drawn from everywhere... Today, I will write about a legendary character, a seminal figure, who walked on this earth like a colossus... well over 2 millennia ago and whose legend continues to live on... He was the first great political realist, a Master strategist, the world's first "Management Guru," and a true Man of Destiny... I refer to 'Chanakya' (also known as 'Kautilya').

Chanakya (c. 350-283 B.C.) was an adviser and Prime Minister to the first Maurya Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (c. 340-293 B.C.), and is regarded as the architect of his early rise to power. His actual name is believed to be Vishnugupta (The "Arthaśhāstra" identifies its author by the name 'Kautilya', except for one verse which refers to him by the name 'Vishnugupta'. One of the earliest Sanskrit literature to explicitly identify 'Chanakya' with 'Vishnugupta' was Vishnu Sarma's "Panchatantra," written in the 3rd century B.C.) Chanakya is considered as a pioneer in the field of economics, preceding Ibn Khaldun in writing about it by about a millennium and a half. Chanakya was a Professor or teacher at the Takshashila University and is widely believed to be responsible for the creation of the Mauryan empire, the first of its kind (Empire) on the Indian subcontinent. He is generally called 'Chanakya' but, in his capacity as the author of the "Arthashastra," he is referred to as 'Kautilya' which means 'kautil neeti'. He was not only a Master politician but also a Master at the shrewd art of diplomacy.

Birth and Early life: There are several versions regarding the birth of Chanakya. According to the Jaina version, Chānakya was born in the village of 'Canaka' in the Golla district to Canin and Caneśvarī, a Maga Brahmin couple. The Pali version says that he was a Brahmin from Takshila. Other versions: The classical Sanskrit play by Vishakhadatta, "Mudrarakshasa," is one popular source of the Chanakya lore. (The play has been dated between the 4th and the 9th century C.E).

A South Indian group of Brahmins in Tamil Nadu called 'Sholiyar' or 'Chozhiyar', claim that Chanakya was one of them. Though this may sound quite improbable, considering the vast distance between present day Tamilnadu in the South and 'Magadha' in Bihar, it finds curious echos in the "Abhidhānchintāmani," where Hemachandra claims that Chankya was a "Dramila" ("Dramila" is believed to be the root of the word "Dravida" by some scholars).

There is also a claim that Chanakya belonged to a Brahmin group from modern day Kerala. In true Hindu tradition he is said to have persuaded the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya to forsake his throne, and to join him in moving to the last phase of one's life, viz., 'Sanyasa'. Accordingly, he took the Emperor along with him to South India where both of them carried out a prolonged meditation and finally achieved 'Moksha'.

Kautilya was educated at 'Taxila' or 'Takshashila', (now a part of Pakistan). The new states (in present-day Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) through the northern high road of commerce along the base of the Himalayas maintained contact with 'Takshashila' and at the eastern end of the northern high road (uttarapatha) was the kingdom of 'Magadha' with its capital city, 'Pataliputra', now known as Patna. Chanakya's life was connected to these two cities, Pataliputra and Taxila.

In his early years he was tutored extensively in the Vedas - Chanakya is said to have memorized them completely at a very early age. He was also believed to have been tutored in mathematics, geography, the legal systems of those times and science (including astronomy and ayurveda) along with religion. Later he travelled to Taxila, where he was widely believed to have became a teacher of politics. Chanakya taught subjects using the best of the practical knowledge acquired by the teachers. The age of entering the University was sixteen. The subjects (areas or branches of study/education) most sought after in and around India at that time ranged from law, medicine and warfare, among other disciplines. Two of Chanakya's more famous students were Bhadrabhatta and Purushdutta (widely believed).

Political turmoil in Western India (during that time) caused by the Greek invasion, forced Chanakya to leave the University environment for the city of Pataliputra (presently known as Patna, in the state of Bihar, India), which was then ruled by the Nanda King, Dhana Nanda. Although Chanakya initially prospered in his relations with the ruler, but being a blunt or straightforward or should I say, undiplomatic person, he soon fell out of favour with the King Dhana Nanda, who now disliked him. This led to Chanakya being removed from an official position.

Chanakya, the author: Two books are attributed to Chanakya,viz., "Arthashastra" and "Nitishastra" which is also known as "Chanakya Niti." The "Arthashastra" discusses monetary and fiscal policies, welfare, international relations, and war strategies in detail. The "Nitishastra" is a treatise on the ideal way of life, and shows Chanakya's in depth study and knowledge of the Indian way of life.

The title of "The Indian Machiavelli:" Chanakya is known as "The Indian Machiavelli" in the Western world. But, I disagree. Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (3 May 1469 – 21 June 1527) - was a philosopher, writer and Italian politician, considered to be the founder of modern political science. As a Renaissance Man, he was a diplomat, political philosopher, musician, poet, and playwright, but, foremost, he was a Civil Servant of the Florentine Republic. But, take a look at the time he lived (his birth and passing away, that is): 3 May 1469 – 21 June 1527; and compare that with Chanakya's - (c. 350-283 B.C.) Chanakya preceded Machiavelli by over a millennium! Hence, it is a misrepresentation to refer to Chanakya as "The Indian Machiavelli," it could (and should) certainly be the other way round. Chanakya/Kautilya was the world's first "Management Guru" and I cannot, absolutely cannot believe that Machiavelli or anyone else, including the present day "Management Gurus" - both Western and Indian - have not read the "Arthashastra" and the "Nitishastra," and then derived 'inspiration' from them.

Foundation of the 'Maurya Empire': At the time of Alexander the Great's invasion, Chanakya was a teacher at the Taxila University. The King of Taxila and Gandhara, Ambhi (also known as Omphis or Taxiles), signed a treaty with Alexander and did not fight against him. Chanakya viewed the foreign invasion as an invasion against the Indian culture and sought help from the other (local) Kings and advised them to unite and fight Alexander. Porus (Parvateshwar), a King of the Punjab, was the only local King who was able to challenge Alexander at the 'Battle of the Hydaspes River', but was defeated.

Chanakya then went to 'Magadha', further East to seek the help of King Dhana Nanda, who ruled over the vast Nanda Empire, that extended from Bihar and Bengal in the East to the eastern Punjab in the West; but he was denied any help. In all forms of the Chanakya legend, it is mentioned that he was insulted and thrown out of the Nanda Court by the King Dhana Nanda, whereupon he swore revenge.

While in Magadha, Chanakya chanced upon Chandragupta, in whom he spotted great military and executive abilities. Although a mere 'dasi-putra', that is, 'the son of a maidservant' (by the Magadha King Nanda), Chandragupta was highly intelligent, courageous and physically powerful. Chanakya was impressed by the young Prince's personality and intelligence, and immediately took him under his wings - to fulfill his silent vow. He began sowing the seeds of the dream of building an Empire that could protect the Indian territories from foreign invasion into his disciple Chandragupta. As he grew up, Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Chanakya, began laying the foundation of the Maurya Empire. Chanakya cared little for the fact that due to his low birth (i.e., being a 'dasi-putra') Chandragupta should not and could not approach the throne or become the ruler. A man of immense discretion, Chanakya's desire was that only a ruler of extraordinary capabilities should be raised to the exalted position of the 'King of Magadha', so that the offensive launched by the 'Yavanas' (Greeks) could be repulsed.

Chanakya's vow of keeping his 'sikha' untied: Legend has it that Chanakya had vowed or taken an oath to leave his long 'sikha' unknotted or untied until he succeeded in humbling the Nanda Kings (the contemptuous ruler of Magadha, King Dhana Nanda and his drunkard and wastrel Princes). True to his oath, it was only after he had engineered a swift demise of the debauched and worthless rulers of the Nanda dynasty, did this great man tie up his tuft of hair (sikha) again.

The 'sikha,' its importance, and the "Mahabharata:" The 'sikha' (also called 'shikha') is a Sanskrit word that refers to a long tuft, or lock of hair left on the top or on the back of the shaven head of a male Orthodox Hindu. Though traditionally all Hindus were required to wear a 'sikha', today it is seen mainly among Brahmacharya, 'celibate monks' and temple priests. The 'sikha' is tied back or knotted - to perform religious rites. Only funerals and death anniversaries are performed with the 'sikha' tuft untied or with dishevelled hair. Dishevelled hair is considered inauspicious, and represents times of great sorrow or calamity. In our Great epic, the "Mahabharata," Draupadi took an oath in the assembly of the 'Kauravas' or 'Kurus', after she was insulted by Dussasana, that she would remain with dishevelled hair until the enemies (the Kauravas) were destroyed and she (Draupadi) has had her revenge. Both Draupadi and Chanakya were from two different eras ('yugas'), yet they have left their footprints on the sands of time and their actions have had far-reaching and epoch-making consequences.

Conquest of the 'Nanda Empire': Chanakya had trained Chandragupta under his guidance and together they planned the destruction of the King Dhana Nanda. The "Mudrarakshasa" of Visakhadutta as well as the Jaina work "Parisishtaparvan," talk of Chandragupta's alliance with the Himalayan King Parvatka, who is sometimes identified with the King 'Porus'. It is noted in the "Chandraguptakatha" that both Chandragupta and Chanakya were initially rebuffed by the forces/armies of Nanda. Regardless of this, in the ensuing war, Chandragupta faced off or fought against Bhadrasala – the Commander of the King Dhana Nanda's armies. He was eventually able to defeat Bhadrasala and the King Dhana Nanda in a series of battle, that ended with the siege of the capital city - 'Kusumapura' and the conquest of the Nanda Empire around 321 B.C; thus laying the foundations of the powerful 'Maurya Empire' in Northern India by the time he was about 20 years old.

Conquest of the Greek territories (annexed by Alexander the Great) and the Greek General Seleucus I Nicator: After the downfall of the Nanda dynasty, it was not difficult for Chandragupta to win the support of the citizens of Magadha, who responded warmly to their new, heroic, and handsome young ruler. The Kings of the neighbouring states rallied under Chandragupta's suzerainty and the last of the Greeks headed by Alexander's General, Seleucus (Seleucus I Nicator - Satrap 311–305 B.C., King 305 B.C–281 B.C) - were defeated. It is believed that Chandragupta had established himself so firmly in the Punjab that when, in 306 or 305 B.C., Seleucus I Nicator crossed the river Indus in an endeavour to recover the erstwhile provinces of (i.e., the territories conquered by) Alexander the Great, he found the Mauryan Emperor confronting him with such formidable force that he was constrained to make peace on terms which appear, prima facie, to have been wholly in favour of the Mauryan Emperor. Under those terms, Seleucus not only acknowledged Emperor Chandragupta’s sovereignty over the Punjab and Gandhara, he also ceded to him parts of Arachosia and Gedrosia, while he himself received only 500 elephants in return. This treaty was sealed by a matrimonial alliance between the two royal houses - with Seleucus giving a daughter or niece in marriage to the Emperor Chandragupta or, possibly, to his son Bindusara.

With the dual obstacles of the Nandas and the Alexander's troops (under his General, Seleucus - Seleucus I Nicator) out of the way, Chanakya Pandit used every political device and intrigue to unite the greater portion of the Indian subcontinent. Under the Prime Ministership/guidance of Chanakya, Emperor Chandragupta Maurya conquered all the lands up to Iran in the North West and down to the extremities of Karnataka or the Mysore State in the South; from the Himalayas on the North to Burma on the East. 'Pataliputra' (presently known as 'Patna', in the state of Bihar, India) was the Capital city. It was by his wits alone that this skinny, austere and ascetic Brāhman directed the formation of the greatest Indian Empire ever seen in history (ie., since the beginning of the Kali Yuga). Thus the indigenous Vedic culture of the sacred land of 'Bharata' was protected and the spiritual practices of the citizens of this great land could go on unhampered.

Therefore, by the time he was only about 20 years old, Chandragupta, who had succeeded in defeating the Macedonian satrapies in India (thereby annexing the erstwhile Greek territories of Takshashila, Punjab and Sindh) and conquering the Nanda Empire, had established a vast Empire (of his own) that extended from the Bengal and Assam in the east, to the Indus Valley in the west... which he were to further expand in the subsequent years.

Although many great savants (expert or wise persons) of the science of 'niti' such as Brihaspati, Shukracharya, Bhartrihari and Vishnusharma have echoed many of these instructions in their own celebrated works (e.g., "Brihaspati Samhita" of "Garuda Purana," "Shukra-Niti," "Niti-Shataka" and "Panchatantra" respectively), it is perhaps the way that Chanakya applied his teachings of 'niti-sastra' that has made him stand out as a significant historical figure. The major lesson that this great Pandit (a learned or wise person) teaches us is that, lofty ideals can become a reality if we intelligently work towards achieving our goal in a determined, progressive and practical manner.

Prediction from the "Vishnu Purana" and the appearance of Chanakya Pandit: Dr. R. Shamashastry, the translator of the English version of Kautilya's "Arthashastra," quotes a prediction from the "Vishnu Purana" fourth canto, twenty-fourth chapter, regarding the appearance of Chanakya Pandit. This prediction, incidentally, was scribed fifty centuries ago, nearly 2700 years before this great political scientist and man of destiny was to appear. The prediction informs us: "(First) Mahapadma then his sons - only nine in number - will be the lords of the earth for a hundred years. A brahmana named Kautilya will slay these Nandas. On their death, the Mauryas will enjoy the earth. Kautilya himself will install Chandragupta on the throne. His son will be Bindusara and his son will be Ashokavardhana." Similar prophecies are also repeated in the "Bhagavata," "Vayu" and "Matsya Puranas."

Some quotes from the "Arthashastra:"

• Whoever imposes severe punishment becomes repulsive to the people; while he who awards mild punishment becomes contemptible. But whoever imposes punishment as deserved becomes respectable. For punishment when awarded with due consideration, makes the people devoted to righteousness and to works productive of wealth and enjoyment; while punishment, when ill-awarded under the influence of greed and anger or owing to ignorance, excites fury even among the hermits and the ascetics dwelling in the forests, not to speak of the householders.

Book I : "Concerning Discipline" - Chapter 4 - "Determination of the Place of Varta and of Dandaniti."

• If a King is energetic, his subjects will be equally energetic. If he is reckless, they will not only be reckless likewise, but also eat into his works. Besides, a reckless King will easily fall into the hands of his enemies. Hence the King shall ever be wakeful.

Book I : "Concerning Discipline" - Chapter 19 - "The Duties of a King."

• All urgent calls he shall hear at once, but never put off; for when postponed, they will prove too hard or impossible to accomplish.

Book I : "Concerning Discipline" - Chapter 19.

Following are the links which lead to the various chapters of the "Arthashastra:"

1) http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/India/kautilya1.html

2) http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_1/arthashastra.html

His later life and his final bow: Chanakya lived to attain a ripe old age and passed away around 283 B.C. He was cremated by his grandson/disciple Radhagupta who succeeded Rakshasa Katyayan (the great-grand son of Prabuddha Katyayan, who had attained 'Nirvana' - the state of being free from both suffering and the cycle of rebirth - during the same period as the Gautama Buddha) as the Prime Minister of the Maurya Empire, and was instrumental in backing Ashoka to ascend the throne. There were three non-traditional belief paths in the society those days: the 'Jaina', the 'Buddhist' and the 'Ajivaka'. Ajivaka practising Chanakya brought about the downfall of the Jaina Nandas and their coterie of Jaina Ministers. (Chanakya's Uncle was a Jain too, while a group of Jains backed Chanakya in his political machinations). Later on, Chandragupta Maurya converted to Jainism - on abdicating his throne, whereupon his son Bindusara who was an Ajivaka, became the Emperor. Even Ashoka was a practising Ajivaka, but before his accession to the throne he became a Buddhist. Bindusara was born before his father became the Emperor (hence, the legend mentioned below may not be true). Emperor Ashoka's daughter was married in 265 B.C. and his son Prince Kunala was 18 years of age in 269 B.C., which indicates that even the Princes married early in those days. Ashoka was born 310 B.C. while his father Bindusara was born around 330 B.C. 'Bindusara' means 'one who encompasses all that is needed to be known'.

According to a legend, (which is a later jaina invention) it is believed that while Chanakya served as the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya, he started adding small quantities of poison in Chandragupta's food - so that he would get used to it and develop resistance to poison. The aim for such an action was to prevent the Emperor from being poisoned by enemies. One day the Queen, Durdha, shared the food with the Emperor (the Queen was in the family way then). Since she was not used to eating poisoned food, she died. Chanakya was determined that the baby should not die; therefore, he cut open the belly of the dead Queen and took out the baby. A drop ('bindu' in Sanskrit) of the poisoned blood had by then touched the baby's head, and hence Chanakya named him 'Bindusara'. Bindusara later went on to become a great Emperor in his own right and also fathered the greatest Mauryan Emperor since Chandragupta - Emperor Asoka.

When Bindusara became a youth, Chandragupta renounced the throne and followed the Jain saint Bhadrabahu to present day Karnataka and settled in a place known as 'Shravana Belagola'. He lived as an ascetic for some years and died due to voluntary starvation - as per the Jain tradition. Chanakya meanwhile stayed on as the Prime Minister of the second Mauryan Emperor, Bindusara. Bindusara also had another Minister named Subandhu who did not like Chanakya. One day, he told Bindusara that Chanakya was responsible for the death (murder) of his mother. Bindusara then asked the nurses who confirmed this story, thereby causing him to become very angry with Chanakya.

It is said that Chanakya, on hearing that the Emperor (Bindusara) was angry with him, took certain decisions. He thought that he was in any case at the end (or at the last stage) of his life. He then donated all his wealth/possessions to the poor, widows and orphans and sat on a dung heap, prepared to die by total abstinence from food and drink (including water). Bindusara meanwhile heard the full story of his birth from the nurses and rushed to beg forgiveness from Chanakya. But Chanakya did not relent. Thereafter, Bindusara went back and vent his fury on Subandhu, who asked for time to seek pardon (forgiveness) from Chanakya.

Subandhu, who still hated Chanakya, wanted to make sure that he (Chanakya) would not return to the city. Therefore, he arranged for a 'ceremony of respect', but unnoticed by anyone, slipped a smoldering charcoal ember inside the dung heap (on which Chanakya sat). Aided by the wind, the dung heap swiftly caught fire, and the man who laid the foundation of the Maurya Empire and authored the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy, "Arthashastra" was burnt to death.

Chanakya's two main philosophies were, "A debt should be paid off till the last penny" and "An enemy should be destroyed without a trace." Ironically, Subandhu too followed the same philosophies in order to destroy him.

Thus was the very tragic end of this political, economic and military genius... but was it really the end? His name is very much alive and his two books - the "Arthashastra" and the "Nitishastra" or "Chanakya Niti" - are still widely read and will continue to be read by generations to come... but who remembers Subandhu? Where is he today? If at all his name comes up, it is only because of Chanakya, the man he supposedly 'destroyed', but who in turn rose like the proverbial sphinx through the pages of history to mesmerize generation after generation of scholars and lay people of all ages, for over 2 millennia and will continue to fascinate... He was truely a Man of Destiny, who made history bow before him.

Note: Information gathered courtesy Wikipedia and the Internet Indian History Sourcebook.

Photographs: (in clockwise order)

1) A sketch of (arguably) the greatest political, economic and military genius - 'Chanakya'.

2) A painting depicting the Court of the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, where (especially) Chanakya, played an important part in the foundation and governance of the Maurya dynasty. (Wikipedia)