Maxims of Chanakya

by V.K. Subramanian

About The Book''Maxims of Chanakya'' is the crystallised wisdom of Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, the Indian Philosopher-Statesman, who helped Chandragupta Maurya establish the first unified state in Indian History in Fourth century B.C.Often called the Indian Machiavelli, Chanakya is Known for his political acumen and statecraft which enabled him to win bloodless victories over his enemies, overthrow a tyrannical regime and prevent the balkanisation of India at a time when it was ravaged by foreign invasions.The maxims of Chanakya, over one thousand in number, included in this book, culled from the three major works attributed to Arthasastra, Chanakyasutras and Chanakyarajanitisastra (sometimes known as Chanakyanitidarpana), cover a wide range of subjects.No branch of life or learning has been left untouched by the great political genius, He has something pithy to say on politics, administration, economics, ethics, education, health, sex and self-improvement.In terseness of expression, no language, with the possible exception of Latin, can excel Sanskrit and the great master has used this wonderful language to such perfection that one is awestruck by the volume of message often conveyed in a couple of words.The English translation of Chanakya's original Sanskrit maxims captures their brevity and wisdom, for the benefit of a larger audience, not conversant with the Sanskrit language.The '' His Life, Times and Work'' adds to the value of this publication.It is hoped that '' Maxims of Chanakya " will prove an invaluable guide to the Legislator, the Administrator, the Planner and the Educationist-all those who shape a country's policy or an individual's future.About The AuthorBorn in 1930 in Kerala (India), Vadakaymadom Krishnaiyer Subramanian, the author of several books, is a keen student of Indian affairs, ancient and modern. An eminent Sanskrit scholar, he has translated several ancient Indian Sanskrit texts into English. His publications in this regard include Rudraprasna, Sivanandalahari, Saundaryalahari and Maxima of Chanakya. He has just completed a mammoth work, Siva-Sakti. Subramanian has also written several works of fiction, which include Lali and Other Short Stories, Love- Twigs and A Bond to Sorrow. His book on astrology and planets, Planets, Palms and Predictions, is a highly popular publication.Subramanian is also a reputed artist and art historian. He has held 18 one-man exhibitions of his paintings, which have won wide acclaim from art critics and the press throughout the country. His book, The Great Ones in Art, is being published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay.Subramanian's perceptive thorough-ness on Indian public finance would be evident to any reader of The Indian Financial System.

Genres: Philosophy

250 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 1980

Reviews

[Aravind Raamkumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chanakya was the master mind behind the first instance of unified India. He was a remarkable man with far-sighted, sharp and purposeful thoughts on various fields spanning across Politics, Finance, Family, Rulers etc. He was seemingly controversial in his remarks about Women and Caste distinction. This book has been compiled with maxims extracted from the primal texts Arthasashtra, Chanakyasutra and Chanakyarajanitisastra. The translations are direct without any commentries which is sufficient as most of the maxims can be clearly understood. A good read for potential leaders and students who wish to experience the rich intellectualism which was prevalent in Vedic India.

[Shortempered · Rating 3 out of 5]

at some parts you would feel like screaming "Racist, Sexist... and what not". But you did not pick the book to be politically correct. He was determined and believed "the end justifies means" so read and absorb the learning ignore the part you know is wrong (now).

It was correct in that time and the way he saw it, need not to be the everlasting truth so don't give in to the belief system w/o a deep thought.

[Aswaththama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book eight years ago, but I read it daily. VK Subramanian, the author of this useful handbook on Chanakya, is himself a noted Sanskrit scholar. He has curated the best shlokas from Chanakya's works and has explained each of them in simple English.

I can read Sanskrit myself. I set out to read Chanakya's Arthasashtra, but was discouraged by the sheer size of the book. That's why I am grateful to VK Subramanian for providing us with a compact distillation of Chanakya's works. His genius and practical wisdom come through in every shloka, making him relevant even today. And more relevant today, than in his own times, I would argue.

Here are just three of Chanakya's aphorisms from VK Subramanian's handbook. Judge for yourself.

दैन्यान्मरनमुत्तमम् Death is better than poverty.
सुखस्य मूलं धर्म: The source of happiness is righteousness.
धर्मस्य मूलमर्थ: The source of righteousness is wealth.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devanagari verses and charming translations enliven the mind..

[SK Srinivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well compiled selection of aphorisms from the works of Chanakya.

[Scott Collingwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Suvidutt Sundaram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Machiavellian & metaphorical...!!

[Priyadarshan Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something for everyone. Chanakya addresses a wide audience. So some maxims are in contradiction with another.
Its best read with receptivity.

[Harsh Thaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxims which are applicable and true in today's world