Arthashastra: The Wisdom We Forgot and the Nation We Must Build is a modern introductory compilation of Kautilya’s Arthashastra, created for readers who want to understand Bharat’s own tradition of governance, statecraft, law, administration, diplomacy, intelligence, and national strength.
This book was born from the pain of administrative apathy and institutional inaction — and from the conviction that young Bharatiyas must once again learn how power, duty, justice, and institutions shape a nation.
Following the original fifteen-book architecture of the Arthashastra, this book presents each topic in a simple one-page format with:
- a Sanskrit verse
- clear English meaning
- short modern explanation
- relevance for today’s reader
This is not a replacement for the original Arthashastra. It is a stepping stone — a bridge for students, citizens, civil-services aspirants, administrators, lawyers, journalists, teachers, public thinkers, and young Bharatiyas who wish to approach the original work with seriousness and confidence.
A nation does not rebuild itself by accident.
It rebuilds when its youth choose responsibility.
What’s inside
- Modern introductory compilation of Kautilya’s Arthashastra
- Follows the original fifteen-book structure
- One page, one topic format
- Sanskrit verses with meanings
- Clear explanations in accessible English
- Topics include governance, law, revenue, administration, diplomacy, intelligence, war, justice, and public duty
- Designed as a stepping stone to the original Arthashastra
Book details
-
Title: Arthashastra: The Wisdom We Forgot and the Nation We Must Build
-
Author: Sriram Lakshminarayanan
-
Format: Paperback
-
Size: A5
-
Pages: 232
-
Language: English
-
Edition: First Edition 2026
-
Publisher: Itihasapurana Publications
-
ISBN: 978-93-5813-796-5
Who is this book for?
- Students and young adults
- Civil-services aspirants
- Lawyers and law students
- Journalists and media students
- Administrators and policy-minded readers
- Teachers and parents
- Readers interested in Chanakya, Kautilya, Indian statecraft, governance, and nation-building
- Anyone who wants to approach the Arthashastra in a clear, structured way
Why read this book?
The Arthashastra is one of Bharat’s greatest works on power, governance, law, administration, diplomacy, intelligence, and war.
But many readers find the original text difficult to approach directly.
This book makes the journey easier.
It gives the reader a structured introduction — without reducing the seriousness of the original work. Each page introduces one topic, one verse, one meaning, and one explanation, helping the reader move step by step through Kautilya’s architecture of statecraft.
Shipping
