Philosophy (Sankhya, Yoga), the Vedas, agriculture, cattle-breeding and trade (Varta), and the science of
government (Danda-Niti)
are the four basic sciences.
Righteous and unrighteous conduct are learnt from the Vedas; the acquisition of wealth from agriculture, cattle-breeding and trade; the expedient and the inexpedient from the science of
government. Whereas Philosophy helps to keep the mind steady in happiness and sorrow alike.
Kautilya says that the observance of one's own duty leads to bliss. When it is violated, there will be confusion in the world and in the minds of men. Therefore, the king should not allow people to swerve from their duties…
It is by means of agriculture, cattle-breeding and trade; and by means of their produce (grains, cattle, gold) that the king is able to maintain his treasury. The science of government is a means to make acquisitions, to keep them secure, and to distribute the profits arising therefrom among the deserving. Kautilya says that the science of government, in turn, depends upon maintaining discipline. The king should not violate righteousness and economy; he should enjoy in equal measure the three pursuits of life - charity, wealth, and desire.
A man's true abilities are revealed from the capacity he shows in carrying out (practical) works. This factor, more than any other factor (noble birth, wisdom, loyalty), should guide the king while appointing ministers. The king should depute his ministers to carry out his works, as he cannot be present everywhere. The king should employ only those ministers (for carrying out works) whose character has been tested.
It is the duty of the ministers to start the works that are not yet begun, to complete the works that have been begun, to improve what has been accomplished, and to enforce strict obedience to (the king’s) orders. When the information received from three different sources is exactly the same, it can be considered to be reliable. Those that are disaffected (with the king) can be brought round by conciliation, by gifts, by sowing dissension, or by punishment.
The administrative measures that are discussed in a council meeting should be kept entirely secret, until such time that they are implemented. Kautilya says that on most matters, the king need not consult the entire council of ministers; he should seek the opinion of (at most) three or four ministers on any particular subject. This will enable him to arrive at an unbiased decision – and to maintain confidentiality at the same time.
Kautilya says that if a king is energetic, his subjects will also be energetic; but if he is reckless, they will likewise be reckless! When a king makes himself inaccessible to his people, and entrusts his work to his immediate officers, this is sure to cause public disaffection and also make him a prey to his enemies. When urgent works are postponed, they will (later) prove hard to accomplish. The king must be active in the discharge his duties; in the absence of activity, his works will perish…
In words that have been often quoted, Kautilya says, “In the happiness of his subjects lies his happiness; in their welfare his welfare; whatever pleases himself he shall not consider as good, but whatever pleases his subjects he shall consider as good.”
A wise king should take care to secure himself from external dangers. The king should employ as his personal attendants those who are well trained, loyal, and those who have rendered good service in the past. Attended by trustworthy bodyguard (armed with weapons) he should receive the envoys from foreign states.
Regarding the succession of princes, Kautilya says that under most circumstances sovereignty should come to the eldest son - and this shall always be respected. If the king has many sons, an unruly prince may be banished. However, a wicked (and an only) son should never be installed upon the royal throne.
The subsistence of mankind is termed wealth (Artha). That science which deals with the means of acquiring and maintaining the earth is the Science of Polity or
Arthashastra.
Kautilya says that this Science of Polity (Arthashastra) has been made as a compendium of all those Arthashastras which have earlier been written by ancient teachers. Its purpose being to serve as a guide to kings in acquiring and maintaining the earth…