Kautilya’s Arthashastra - An Introduction

The Kauṭilya Arthaśāstra is one of the foundational texts of ancient Indian political thought, statecraft, and economics. Composed by Kauṭilya (also known as Cāṇakya), this treatise provides a comprehensive framework for governance, administration, diplomacy, warfare, and economic management.

Course Instructor: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute

₹2400.00

Course Overview

Kautilya’s Arthashastra — A Treasure Trove of Statecraft & Strategy

A chapter‑by‑chapter journey through one of the world’s most influential treatises on governance, diplomacy, warfare and economics — analysed in historical and contemporary contexts, with practical lenses for leaders and institutions.

Duration15 Video Hours
Effort30 Learning Hours
LevelBeginner–Intermediate
LanguageEnglish
ModeAsynchronous · Self‑paced
CertificateShareable on LinkedIn

About the Course

The Arthashastra is a foundational text of ancient Indian political thought, statecraft and economics, composed by Kauṭilya (Chaṇakya). It lays out a complete framework for governance, administration, diplomacy, warfare and economic management.

Designed and delivered by Dr. Manish Walvekar, this course presents a chapter‑by‑chapter exploration of the text and its philosophy, showing how its strategic and ethical insights can inform modern leadership and policy.

Learning Outcomes

  • Comprehend the structural and philosophical foundations of the Arthaśāstra.
  • Understand ancient Indian perspectives on governance, diplomacy, and economic management.
  • Appreciate the relevance of Kauṭilya’s principles in contemporary statecraft and organisational leadership.
  • Gain analytical tools to apply strategic and tactical insights in modern contexts.

Course Curriculum

1 Subject

Kautilya’s Arthashastra - An Introduction

2 Exercises16 Learning Materials

Introduction

A Brief Introduction of Kautilya's Arthashastra

Video
00:43:21

Vinayadhikarikam

Vinayadhikarikam Part 1

Video
00:43:50

Vinayadhikarikam Part 2

Video
00:45:45

Adhyakshaprachara

Adhyakshaprachara - Part 1

Video
00:35:42

Adhyakshaprachara Part 2

Video
00:48:30

Dharmasthiyam

Dharmasthiyam Part 1

Video
00:30:07

Dharmasthiyam Part 2

Video
00:33:06

Kantakashodhanam

Kantakashodhanam Part

Video
00:40:59

Mandalayoni

Mandalayoni

Video
00:37:33

Shadgunyam

Shadgunyam Part 1

Video
00:30:51

Textual reading - Vidya-samuddesha: Aanvikshiki

extual reading - Vidya-samuddesha: Aanvikshiki

Video
01:03:09

Textual reading - Vidya-samuddesha: Vartta & Dandaniti

Textual reading - Vidya-samuddesha: Vartta & Dandaniti

Video
01:00:48

Textual reading - Raja-pranidhi

Textual reading - Raja-pranidhi

Video
00:58:54

Textual reading - Vivaha-sanyuktam

Textual reading - Vivaha-sanyuktam

Video
00:55:19

Textual reading - Prakruti-sampadah

Textual reading - Prakruti-sampadah

Video
00:57:00

Textual reading - Shama-vyayamikam

Textual reading - Shama-vyayamikam

Video
00:58:10

Quiz

Arthashastra Examination

Exercise

Arthashastra Quiz

Exercise

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