This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Kalki (talk | contribs) at 14:31, 3 May 2004. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 14:31, 3 May 2004 by Kalki (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Chanakya (c.350 - c.275 BC) also known as Kautilya is one of the earliest known political thinkers and king makers in the literal sense of the word. Seeking revenge for being thrown out of the court of the ruler of Magadha, Chanakya took a promising young boy (Chandragupta Maurya) of ten from the streets and brought him up to become one of the greatest Emperors of India, which at that time was divided into several states and kingdoms.
Afer Alexander's invasion, Chanakya appeared on the scene and united India under the rule of Chandragupta Maurya. He was fearless, not afraid of death, disgrace or defeat. He was compassionate to the poor and kind, harsh to deceitfulness. His writings which clearly show his fearlessness in the pursuit of Truth has been echoed over 2000 years later when Swami Vivekananda cried out, 'Arise, Awake, sleep not till the goal is reached'. He brought Amatya Rakshasa from the enemy camp to serve as Chandragupta's Prime minister.
Probably the most accurate description of Chanakya can be found in Nehru's words in the Discovery of India, Chanakya has been called the Indian Machiavelli and to some extent the comparision is justified. But he was a much bigger person in every way, greater in intellect and reason. He was no mere follower of a King, a humble adviser of an all powerful emperor. A picture of him emerges from an old Indian (Sanskrit) play 'mudra rakshasa' (rakshasa's ring) which deals with this period. Bold and scheming, proud and revengeful, never forgetting a slight, never forgetting his purpose, availing himself of every device to delude and defeat the enemy, he sat with the reins of empire in his hands and looked upon the emperor more as a loved pupil than as master. Simple and austere in life, uninterested in pomp and pageantry of high position, when he had redeemed his pledge and accomplished his purpose, he wanted to retire, brahminlike, to a life of contemplation.
Chanakya's Arthashastra is a classic of statecraft and is reverently studied even in Europe and elsewhere.
Chanakya is the personification of statesmanship, political craft, spirit of adventure and unyielding perseverance.