Chanakya is considered the pioneer of the field of Political science and economics in India, and his work is thought of as an important precursor to classical economics. Chanakya the Great Economist was an ancient Indian polymath who was active as a teacher, author, strategist, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal advisor. He is traditionally identified as Kauṭilya or Vishnugupta, who authored the ancient Indian political treatise, the Arthashastra, a text dated to roughly between the fourth century BCE and the third century CE.

He is best known as the author of the political treatiseArthashastrawhich he wrote as an instruction manual for the young Chandraguptaon how to rule effectively.

TheArthashastrais considered Chanakya’s training manual by which he transformed Chandragupta from a citizen to a monarch.

TheArthashastracontinued to exert considerable influence after the reign of Ashoka but then disappeared and was considered lost until it was discovered in 1905 CE by the Sanskrit scholar Rudrapatna Shamasastry (l. 1868-1944 CE). Rudrapatna Shamasastry published the work in 1909 CE and then translated it into English and published that version in 1915 CE which brought it greater attention.

Chanakya was blessed with extreme intelligence and great intellect. He could make plans in such a way that he had hundreds of back-ups for every situation. He could think way ahead as compared to a normal person.His intelligence was the reason that he could create India’s first largest kingdom. Chanakya uses different terms to describe war other thandharma-Yudha (just war), such asKutayudha (unjust war).

Chanakya is regarded as a great thinker and diplomat in India. Many Indian nationalists regard him as one of the earliest people who envisioned a united India spanning the entire subcontinent. India’s former National security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon praised Chanakya’sArthashastra for its precise and timeless descriptions of power. Furthermore, he recommended reading the book for broadening the vision on strategic issues.

The diplomatic enclave in New Delhi is named Chanakyapuri in honour of Chanakya. Institutes named after him include Training ship Chanakya, Chanakya National Law Universityand Chanakya Institute of Public Leadership. Chanakya circle in Mysorehas been named after him.

Chanakya’s Arthashastra which is very famous by the name of Niti Shastra, describes 17 chapters and 342 sutras written in it.