Consider the following statements: The Arthashastra is the first Ind

Consider the following statements:

The Arthashastra is the first Indian text to define a State.
The main concerns of the Arthashastra are theoretical issues like the origins of the State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2016

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Statement 1 is correct, while statement 2 is incorrect. The Arthashastra is widely considered the first systematic and comprehensive treatise on statecraft in ancient India, offering a detailed definition of the components and functions of a state (the Saptanga theory). Statement 2 is incorrect because the Arthashastra is primarily a practical guide to governance, administration, economics, and foreign policy, focusing on pragmatic issues of running and maintaining a state rather than theoretical issues like its origins.

– Arthashastra provides a detailed structure and function of the state (Saptanga theory).
– Its focus is practical statecraft (politics, economics, administration, diplomacy, military strategy).
– It does not dwell on the theoretical origins of the state.

The Saptanga theory describes the seven limbs or constituent elements of a state: Swami (the ruler), Amatya (the minister), Janapada (the territory and population), Durga (the fort), Kosha (the treasury), Danda (the army), and Mitra (the ally). Kautilya’s work is a manual for rulers on how to govern effectively, maintain order, and ensure prosperity and security.

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