Critical analysis of the man has been pending for a while now.
This was a man with limitless wisdom born in very troubled times. There were corruption, disorder and murder all round him. Value systems was heavily degraded. What he saw around him were culturally similar states warring constantly and lacking cohesion and unity to thwart an outside attack. He had a dream, a dream which was centuries ahead of his time - the dream of a unified Bharath.
What set him apart is his determination and cold intellect. An intellect that was not clouded by his emotions and well honed with years of hard work. I took some time to read Machiavelli's prince, sun tzu's art of war and other similar works. But nothing comes close to the breadth and depth of state policy descibed in Kautilya's books. From the poorest of the peasants to the emperor of the state, everyone's duties and rights were elucidated no neatly. There were rewards and penalties for various judicial matters - be it civil, commercial or military.
Since he knew that corruption, he had put in place an extensive network of spies. Everyone was being watched and being reported on. Even the watchers. Ever state has to get rid of dirt and it is not a very clean job in itself. There were ways to deal with political adversaries, enemy spies, the prince/queen who decides to harm the king. Rules of assassinations, rules of war, rules of how to bring up a future king, everything was clearly laid out.
There are certain difficult choices and sacrifices to be made for the greater good or a society. Beyond a point morality thins where safety/stability becomes paramount. Some thing broach ethics in such a way that we can debate for eternity without results. Crisis situations which you don't see everyday, but which poses a moral dilemma in the face of immediate danger. Clarity in such matters and help to make hard decisions is what Chanakya gave us. That is what sets him a good ten steps higher than any of the political thinker of all times.
Barring a few exceptions, his ideas and logic are sound and can be applied as is to present day problems. Corruption was a big issue during his time, and I can say that nothing much has changed till now. Fragmentation was a threat to security then, it still threatens India and the world today. Religious and dharmic concepts aside, Chanakya, if born today, would be more sophisticated, intelligent and influential than most of us. Taking the surviving writings as a guide to his character, I am only filled with ever increasing respect and admiration for the guy.
Since he knew that corruption, he had put in place an extensive network of spies. Everyone was being watched and being reported on. Even the watchers. Ever state has to get rid of dirt and it is not a very clean job in itself. There were ways to deal with political adversaries, enemy spies, the prince/queen who decides to harm the king. Rules of assassinations, rules of war, rules of how to bring up a future king, everything was clearly laid out.
There are certain difficult choices and sacrifices to be made for the greater good or a society. Beyond a point morality thins where safety/stability becomes paramount. Some thing broach ethics in such a way that we can debate for eternity without results. Crisis situations which you don't see everyday, but which poses a moral dilemma in the face of immediate danger. Clarity in such matters and help to make hard decisions is what Chanakya gave us. That is what sets him a good ten steps higher than any of the political thinker of all times.
Barring a few exceptions, his ideas and logic are sound and can be applied as is to present day problems. Corruption was a big issue during his time, and I can say that nothing much has changed till now. Fragmentation was a threat to security then, it still threatens India and the world today. Religious and dharmic concepts aside, Chanakya, if born today, would be more sophisticated, intelligent and influential than most of us. Taking the surviving writings as a guide to his character, I am only filled with ever increasing respect and admiration for the guy.
