Chanakya Neeti

by Ashwini Parashar

One of the greatest figures of wisdom and knowledge in the Indian history is Chanakya. Chanakya is regarded as a great thinker and diplomat in India who is traditionally identified as Kautilya or Vishnu Gupta. Originally a professor of economics and political science at the ancient Takshashila University, Chanakya managed the first Maurya Emperor Chandragupta's rise to power at a young age. Instead of acquiring the seat of kingdom for himself, he crowned Chandragupta Maurya as the emperor and served as his chief advisor. Chanakya Neeti is a treatise on the ideal way of life, and shows Chanakya's deep study of the Indian way of life. These practical and powerful strategies provide a path to live an orderly and planned life. If these strategies are followed in any sphere of life, victory is certain. Chanakya also developed Neeti-Sutras (aphorisms – pithy sentences) that tell people how they should behave. Chanakya used these sutras to groom Chandragupta and other selected disciples in the art of ruling a kingdom. But these sutras are also relevant in this modern age and are very useful for us. For the first time, Chanakya Neeti and Chanakya Sutras are compiled in this book to make Chanakya’s invaluable wisdom easily available to the common readers. This book presents Chanakya’s powerful strategies and principles in a very lucid manner for the benefit of our valuable readers.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics, Self Help, Business, Hinduism, Classics

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2009

Reviews

[Archit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chanakya aka Kautilya/Vishnugupta was a great strategist, Indian teacher, economist, jurist and royal advisor.

When Alexander the great's Indian campaign began in 326 BC, Nanda Kings were central power in India ruling from Magadh.

Legend has it that Chanakya was insulted by Nanda King when he approached him to advise some political strategies. Chanakya pledged to destroy Nanda Dynasty. Nanda Kings were busy preventing foreign invasions. Taking advantage of this adverse situation, Chanakya dethroned Nanda king and installed Chandragupta Maurya. Hence Mauryan Empire began.

Chanakya Neeti is a book explaining about the tactics and strategies one needs to have while ruling a kingdom.

[Sai kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think he has been a little too harsh on the women... infact this book gives u an insight to quite a few superstitions...

[Aman Bansal · Rating 2 out of 5]

WHAT A WASTE OF TIME IT WAS *UGHHHH*
It was literally tiresome, misogynistic and full of so much bullshit.

[Anupriya Chaubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this if you want to survive in today's harsh world.

[Rewat Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might not know that our very own Chanakya is one of the great figures of knowledge and wisdom in the Indian history. Originally a teacher at the University Of Takshashila, he had assisted Chandragupta, the first Mauryan emperor, to power at a very young age. He was a pioneer in the field of a political science and economics. Some of his views on the women are really extreme, and I would not recommend this book to ladies, but his thoughts and sutras in economics are too good. His book Chanakya Neeti is a treatise on the ideal way of life. This book presents chanakya’s powerful strategies and principles in a very simple manner. But remember chanakya neeti wasn’t written in this generation, though some of his concepts are valid today. Truth of life, but in his way. The only thing which holds this book back is his thoughts, very repulsive.

[SANJAY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the real Deal! The Real McCoy!!

Chanakya Neeti, from Diamond Pocket Books Publishers, India. The book has the original Sankrit Shlokas with exact Hindi translation and Saralarth ie a simple translation. If you have a basic understanding in India culture and literature you should have not problems understanding this book. This book has the exact content which we studied in our Sanskrit classes in India. Chanakya Neeti is an important text and according Western World present day Economists his Shlokas are relevant till present day.
After reading this version I don't think I will look for other writers / specialists interpretations or waste my time on them.

[Kavita Tanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chanakya was the greatest strategist of his time. His hard labour, perseverance and guidance bore fruit to Chandra Gupta Maurya became the Emperor. Chanakya served as his Prime Minister and he is known for his great wisdom. He was also known as a cunning and crafty person, he ruled over others through his intelligence, the known greatest weapon which could cause untold destruction without lifting a finger.

This book which instructs a person to follow a disciplined and virtuous life, perform his religious obligations, keep away from greed, earn wealth lawfully, keep away from bad company and to be worldly-wise. Though this book was not written in today's generation, still it's applicable in today's day to day life. Only one thing I did not like is, Chanakya was a little too harsh on women.

[Pooja Banga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is epic ..
I give it 4stars because I don't agree with few points ..
Otherwise this book is just recommended to all..
If you want some values in your life read this ..It will help you in your bad as good times..

[Aashish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very much outdated, misogynistic, discriminatory and with lots of ideal gyaan. This one let me down so badly. Man's a straight up women hater for no reason whatsoever. Skip this one and save your precious time.

[Kannav Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice Book , even valid in modern world !

[Tushar Rastogi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice and self educating book. Teaches and makes reader aware of lots of hidden aspects about daily day to day lifestyle and how to achieve success in life.

[Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book about wisdom.

[Jaymin Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book to live life practically. Very clear conceptually that thought how to avoid big problems.

[Aditya Biswas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I read the book but following his wisdom is a whole different ball game.

[Piyush Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teachings are given in the book. The evergreen given teachings are 200% applicable to today's
life.

[Sidhant Chadha · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good one

[Navnit · Rating 4 out of 5]

it still works...

[Ankit Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the tactics given in this book. I recommend this book to all except the people with foolish understand or people who have negative view towards life and god.

[Utkrisht Fella · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chanakya Neeti" by Ashwini Parashar offers a clear and accessible entry point into the timeless wisdom of one of India's most brilliant minds. This isn't just a historical text; it's a practical guide for modern life. The book beautifully translates Chanakya's original Sanskrit aphorisms into a format that is easy to understand and apply.

Parashar does an excellent job of organizing the content, touching on everything from personal conduct and relationships to politics and wealth management. What stands out is how relevant these centuries old teachings still are. The principles on leadership, strategy and self-discipline feel incredibly potent and provide a solid foundation for personal growth.

For anyone looking to delve into classical Indian philosophy without getting lost in academic jargon, this book is a must-read. It's concise, insightful and a powerful source of inspiration for navigating the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity.

[Vikrantkuthiala · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extremely pedestrian translation, if one may call it that. All verses reproduced in Sanskrit, English and the authors take on it. I am sure there are much better books on Chanakya's statecraft out there.

[Sujith K.P · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't live to my expectations. many of what he has said is not applicable in today's life.
if any one is planning to read this book. don't waste ur time.

[Ajay Prem Shankar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ashwini has got Chanakya neeti totally wrong. His 'chanakya neeti' does only one thing, i.e., insulting woman.

[PRANAV PRASAD · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like some of his advices. Yet most are prejudiced and outdated. Honestly most of the advices seem like he is talking from a "dominant man" perspective.

Women should drink the water that is used to wash her husband's leg?

Don't marry a lower caste girl?
Yet marry a girl even if she is from the garbage. So lower caste is lower than garbage?

There are many such nonsenses.
It seems like a very prejudiced man speaking biased points.
Just okay to read and have an idea.
Strictly require use of one's logic to filter the Garbage that is present all over the book.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you want to live a practical life, many scholars advices to follow Chanakya Neeti. but I find there many ideas where women is considered a second rate citizen. times have changed and so does the value system. it is foolishness to review an ancient text using present value system. it is indeed a good read. but I cannot follow this blindly. my path is different ;)

[Raja N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long Forgotten Chanakya Neeti

Good Things are slowly fading away.
You have to go back. Don't take 💯 %. Take what is required.
Many points will relate to your current situation helps you realise the problem.

[Aditya Halbe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite outdated by today’s standards. One can read it to understand mindset of that time as a historian but I found hardly anything to apply it today.
I can see why some people may have liked it who wants to follow Indian culture by literal means.

[WowPvN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repeatitive . not up to the expectation.

[Mehul Sutariya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chaanakya neeti i

[Jai Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book about society and character of society

[Arunayan Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Principles, ethics, rules and regulations along with wisdom are the main purpose of the book written by one of the too intellectual of ancient India, Chanakya.