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Katha Chanakya
Stories of Wisdom for Dreamers and Thinkers
Raja or Rishi? King or Kingmaker? Man or Mystic?
Emperor Chadragupta’s beloved teacher, Chanakya had a life that was as fraught with mystery as it was replete with wisdom. His words and actions were meticulously engineered and executed. Chanakya taught the important lessons in life by example and that is exactly what veteran author Radhakrishnan Pillai does through this wonderful book.
Katha Chanakya narrates tales from the great Acharya’s life, and puts into modern context the policies and practices of India’s most strategic dreamer and thinker. Some of these stories are real and some fictional. But all are focused on the welfare of the people, be it the dilemma of choosing a new leader, rooting out corruption or defeating a great enemy.
If you have a vision, if you have a dream, Katha Chanakya will help you make it a reality.
Radhakrishnan Pillai is the bestselling author of Corporate Chanakya, Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership and Chanakya in You. He has researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra extensively and has a Master’s degree in Sanskrit. With 20 years of experience as a management consultant and speaker, he heads the Leadership Center in University of Mumbai.
Raja or Rishi? King or Kingmaker? Man or Mystic?
Emperor Chadragupta’s beloved teacher, Chanakya had a life that was as fraught with mystery as it was replete with wisdom. His words and actions were meticulously engineered and executed. Chanakya taught the important lessons in life by example and that is exactly what veteran author Radhakrishnan Pillai does through this wonderful book.
Katha Chanakya narrates tales from the great Acharya’s life, and puts into modern context the policies and practices of India’s most strategic dreamer and thinker. Some of these stories are real and some fictional. But all are focused on the welfare of the people, be it the dilemma of choosing a new leader, rooting out corruption or defeating a great enemy.
If you have a vision, if you have a dream, Katha Chanakya will help you make it a reality.
Radhakrishnan Pillai is the bestselling author of Corporate Chanakya, Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership and Chanakya in You. He has researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra extensively and has a Master’s degree in Sanskrit. With 20 years of experience as a management consultant and speaker, he heads the Leadership Center in University of Mumbai.
- GenresSelf Help
242 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
86 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 12, 2018
A story a day keeps ignorance away :) - This is for the child in you who never feels out of love with stories. 30 short & sweet stories with the essence of Chanakyisam !
February 12, 2019
Insightful Tales!
Very nice collection of ‘Kathas’ from Chanakya’s life.
Chanakya’s vast knowledge on every aspect of life is collected in this book in form of short tales. Must read for all the leaders and wanna bees. Book is written in nice pattern of Lesson, the actual tale and then the learning from it. Overall it was very insightful.
Very nice collection of ‘Kathas’ from Chanakya’s life.
Chanakya’s vast knowledge on every aspect of life is collected in this book in form of short tales. Must read for all the leaders and wanna bees. Book is written in nice pattern of Lesson, the actual tale and then the learning from it. Overall it was very insightful.
November 27, 2016
As the title suggests this is a compilation of insightful wisdom from the quiver of the most respected and mysterious person of ancient India Chanakya who wrote the Arthashastra and the author Radhakrishnan Pillai has beautifully narrated the same in three parts providing the readers to write down their learning after each chapter making for a complete understanding of Chanakyas wisdom as mentioned in the scriptures Shravanam=Katha, Mananam=Insight and Nidhidhyasanam=Learning/understanding.
This is a must Read for all those who want to know and understand the ancient science of Arthashastra and how nations are to be governed.
Except for some typo errors found the book enjoyable and deeply insightful.
This is a must Read for all those who want to know and understand the ancient science of Arthashastra and how nations are to be governed.
Except for some typo errors found the book enjoyable and deeply insightful.
December 2, 2017
The book contains 30 short tales about Chanakya's way of modus operandi. Strategies and vision oriented Chanakya was a great teacher and Kings maker. The book mentions about him detrhoning the corrupt King, identifying a good replacement for the kingdom, winning the war against the Alexander the great, mentoring the new king and resigning from his role when the right time came.
July 22, 2017
A good read if you are looking at strategic ways of improving your existence.Kautilya's modus operandi is as relevant as it can come even in today's bustling times.Quick anecdotes for a learning of a lifetime.
February 24, 2018
Well written, Inspiring
Well written book by the Author. Must read by persons involved in administration. Quotes at the end of each story is worth remembering Chanakya philosophy can change the destiny of nation.
Well written book by the Author. Must read by persons involved in administration. Quotes at the end of each story is worth remembering Chanakya philosophy can change the destiny of nation.
January 10, 2017
Worth reading if you are fan of your grand mum bed time stories.
February 3, 2017
A nice book! I specially like; at the end of each chapter there are 3 morals of the story. This will be very useful when revisiting this book in future.
April 14, 2019
Awesome book
December 23, 2025
When I picked up Katha Chanakya, I honestly expected a book focused on strategy, warfare, and the political rise of the Maurya dynasty. I thought it would be logical, practical, and intellectually stimulating. What I did not expect was how deeply emotional and personal this book would feel.
Like most people, I had always seen Chanakya as a brilliant strategist, a kingmaker, a master of politics — almost larger than life. But this book made me realize something powerful: Chanakya was a human being first.
A man with emotions, values, internal conflicts, and an extraordinary sense of purpose.
What truly moved me was understanding how deeply Chanakya thought about life itself — not just kingdoms and power, but responsibility, choices, and sacrifice. The way he viewed relationships, duty, and personal purpose made me emotional. Especially his conscious decision to remain unmarried — not out of detachment, but out of responsibility. He understood that dividing his focus between his life’s mission and another person’s emotional needs would do injustice to both. That level of self-awareness and integrity genuinely brought tears to my eyes.
This book changed the way I see people who seem completely devoted to their work. Sometimes, they aren’t cold or uncaring — they’ve simply thought life through more deeply than most of us.
Beyond emotions, the stories and philosophies in this book offer timeless guidance about leadership, discipline, clarity of purpose, and service to society. It made me reflect on my own life choices and priorities.
Katha Chanakya is not just a book I enjoyed — it’s a book I will return to.
I’m adding it to my lifetime learning list, something I’ll revisit whenever I feel lost, unsure, or in need of direction.
This book didn’t just teach me about Chanakya —
it taught me about life.
Highly recommended
Like most people, I had always seen Chanakya as a brilliant strategist, a kingmaker, a master of politics — almost larger than life. But this book made me realize something powerful: Chanakya was a human being first.
A man with emotions, values, internal conflicts, and an extraordinary sense of purpose.
What truly moved me was understanding how deeply Chanakya thought about life itself — not just kingdoms and power, but responsibility, choices, and sacrifice. The way he viewed relationships, duty, and personal purpose made me emotional. Especially his conscious decision to remain unmarried — not out of detachment, but out of responsibility. He understood that dividing his focus between his life’s mission and another person’s emotional needs would do injustice to both. That level of self-awareness and integrity genuinely brought tears to my eyes.
This book changed the way I see people who seem completely devoted to their work. Sometimes, they aren’t cold or uncaring — they’ve simply thought life through more deeply than most of us.
Beyond emotions, the stories and philosophies in this book offer timeless guidance about leadership, discipline, clarity of purpose, and service to society. It made me reflect on my own life choices and priorities.
Katha Chanakya is not just a book I enjoyed — it’s a book I will return to.
I’m adding it to my lifetime learning list, something I’ll revisit whenever I feel lost, unsure, or in need of direction.
This book didn’t just teach me about Chanakya —
it taught me about life.
Highly recommended
March 30, 2022
Chanakya (Vishnu Gupta)lived in the period of 350-275 BCE. He is known as 'The father of all startergies".
He was a teacher, philosopher and a guide. He wrote "Arthashastra", a written manual for Chandra Gupta on how to rule efficiently.
He was insulted by the king Dhananda. As a revenge, he trained Chandra Gupta , a low class child and gathered many neighbouring kings to have war with Alexander as well as Dananand. Dananand was thrown out of his kingdom and made chandragupta as an emperor.
Even today his teachings are applicable in leadership. He touched almost every topic of life while guiding Chandra Gupta to run his kingdom.
He was a king maker.
The book is quite small and touched many topics. Very quick and interesting read.
He was a teacher, philosopher and a guide. He wrote "Arthashastra", a written manual for Chandra Gupta on how to rule efficiently.
He was insulted by the king Dhananda. As a revenge, he trained Chandra Gupta , a low class child and gathered many neighbouring kings to have war with Alexander as well as Dananand. Dananand was thrown out of his kingdom and made chandragupta as an emperor.
Even today his teachings are applicable in leadership. He touched almost every topic of life while guiding Chandra Gupta to run his kingdom.
He was a king maker.
The book is quite small and touched many topics. Very quick and interesting read.
April 11, 2020
An astute political thinker, a kingmaker, a wise sage and an extraordinary philosopher are some of the ways one can describe Chanakya. Millenniums after his demise, his thoughts continue to inspire and motivate people towards a better life.
Katha Chanakya is light and swift read comprising of short anecdotes from the master’s life and his public dealings.
Managing government, marriage, forgiveness, detachment are some of the prominent topics that the Katha Chanakya covers.
The USP of the book is that wisdom presented is easily digestible. The author also invites you to make notes of your takeaways from each story.
Katha Chanakya is light and swift read comprising of short anecdotes from the master’s life and his public dealings.
Managing government, marriage, forgiveness, detachment are some of the prominent topics that the Katha Chanakya covers.
The USP of the book is that wisdom presented is easily digestible. The author also invites you to make notes of your takeaways from each story.
February 8, 2023
Katha Chanakya attempts to make Chanakya’s teachings available to masses in a simple and lucid manner. You may agree or disagree with his words but one cannot deny Chanakya’s position as one of the master strategists in the history. His teachings may or may not be applicable to todays bent and twisted world but they are worth a read just to try and emulate his thinking style.
Dr. Pillai has tried his best to convey Chanakya’s teachings in short stories which form a powerful medium and at time engage you. Certain stories, however may let you down as they contain some general and common wisdom. Give this book a read for light-hearted story-filled time.
Dr. Pillai has tried his best to convey Chanakya’s teachings in short stories which form a powerful medium and at time engage you. Certain stories, however may let you down as they contain some general and common wisdom. Give this book a read for light-hearted story-filled time.
June 13, 2024
This book, Katha Chanakya, is an absolute must-read for kids. I was new to literature, and I read it when I was very young. I was able to thoroughly understand it even though I wasn’t good at English yet. This book is one that uses simple language to convey deep meaning. It’s one of those books that stays with you, long after you finish it.
It contains a motivational essence that can make you feel so deeply. This book is also incredibly addicting. I read it within two days of buying it. I was initially hesitant to buy it, but I never regretted it afterwards! I encourage anyone looking for a good read to pick this book up.
It contains a motivational essence that can make you feel so deeply. This book is also incredibly addicting. I read it within two days of buying it. I was initially hesitant to buy it, but I never regretted it afterwards! I encourage anyone looking for a good read to pick this book up.
March 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the wisdom shared in the book, but one aspect left me conflicted—the blend of real and fictional stories. While the author’s intent is clear, and the messages are valuable, the inclusion of stories not directly attributed to Chanakya feels a bit unsettling. Given his significance in history, attributing new lessons to him even if well-intended,creates a slight disconnect.
That said, Katha Chanakya remains an inspiring read for anyone interested in leadership, strategy, and ancient wisdom. It captures the essence of Chanakya’s teachings in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
That said, Katha Chanakya remains an inspiring read for anyone interested in leadership, strategy, and ancient wisdom. It captures the essence of Chanakya’s teachings in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
May 13, 2021
I'm interested in learning about Katha Chanakya because he is one of the most respected and known strategists in India. I saw many people from India compare him with Napoleon and Sun Tzu. I figured it will be nice to learn the type of strategy and value he holds. But this book doesn't really do a good job to showcase his ability. I understand the writer probably a big fan of Chanakya. But the book didn't make me a fan of him. I think the case that he chooses is not that appealing. I do learn a bit about history from the book though.
September 15, 2019
Gives you a glimpse of good thoughts...
Indeed Chanakya was one of the eminent persons in Indian history, his thinkings are still be used as solutions for many contemporary problems...
Through this book, you can have a small walk with Chanakya and have a glimpse into his vast knowledge 📕...
Chapters in this book tell us life Story of Chanakya and his obedient student Chandragupta as well as teaches life lessons where we should not be stumbled...
Indeed Chanakya was one of the eminent persons in Indian history, his thinkings are still be used as solutions for many contemporary problems...
Through this book, you can have a small walk with Chanakya and have a glimpse into his vast knowledge 📕...
Chapters in this book tell us life Story of Chanakya and his obedient student Chandragupta as well as teaches life lessons where we should not be stumbled...
March 17, 2020
The book consists of short stories that could have been little well elaborated. The 'acharya neeti' and 'acharya katha' are precisely segregated giving a flavour of theory and the background around that theory. The 'acharya neeti' seems to be relevant in today's world as well. Overall a quick read book for once.
Read
May 22, 2025Katha Chanakya is a great book for the youngsters of the 21st Century. The author has shared many anecdotes from Chanakya's life. The leadership seen in Chanakya is found rarely in today's world. Chanakya trains Chandragupta Maurya to be a powerful and popular monarch of his time. Chandragupta also was a great student who was hungry for knowledge. Thank You.
July 5, 2018
One must read this book because it is easy to understand and it takes hardly five to six hours to finish the entire book. Secondly, the lessons which are eye opener have been taught by way of stories which are real and deal with life of Chanakya and others. The price of this book is Rs. 270.
February 9, 2023
This was superb book and i had read it twice. This book has 30 short tale but this short tale had long knowledge. This book tells about strategies used by chankaya to build his kingdom and maintain peace.
October 21, 2019
A good story to start.
November 16, 2019
Very much mediocre writing. I guess, I just went in expecting too much.
February 29, 2020
Not much help for today's world
April 19, 2020
Short chapters, suitable for bedtime stories.
May 7, 2020
there is another author M G raghavandra. that is simple and better.
December 23, 2020
Great stories relevant to current day as well.
October 25, 2022
The learnings are still valid and nicely written
March 6, 2023
This book very simply explains the stories of Chanakya and how to apply his teachings in our life.
August 18, 2021
superb!
chanakya's stories of life that teaches us everything
chanakya's stories of life that teaches us everything
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews