The correct answer is (b), Kautilya’s ‘Arthshastra’.
The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, military strategy, and international relations. It is one of the oldest and most important works on political science in the world. The Arthashastra is attributed to Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, who was a Brahmin scholar and prime minister to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
The Arthashastra is a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, covering topics such as the duties of the king, the administration of justice, the collection of taxes, the organization of the army, and the conduct of war. It also contains advice on how to deal with enemies, how to win friends, and how to maintain power.
The Arthashastra is a valuable source of information on ancient Indian society and politics. It is also a fascinating work of political philosophy, and it continues to be studied by scholars today.
The other options are not comparable to the Prince of Machiavelli.
(a) Kalidasa’s ‘Malvikagni Mitram’ is a Sanskrit play about the love between King Malvika and the minister Agnimitra. It is a work of literature, not a treatise on statecraft.
(c) Vatsyanana’s ‘Kamsutra’ is a Sanskrit treatise on erotics. It is a work of literature, not a treatise on statecraft.
(d) Thiruvalluvar’s ‘Thirukkural’ is a Tamil work on ethics and morality. It is a work of literature, not a treatise on statecraft.