What do you think?
Rate this book
Amar Chitra Katha #21
Chanakya
Chanakya also known as Kautilya, the hero of this story is the author of the well-known Sanskrit classic Arthashastra. Chanakya helped Chandragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, in gaining the throne of the Nandas. According to many scholars, Chandraguptas success as a king can be ascribed to Chanakyas advice and guidance. According to Chanakya, the king at the time of coronation had to take an oath of service to the people. If the king misbehaved, his people had the right to remove and replace him. Kautilyas Arthashastra is a book on public administration. It discusses the duties as well as the rights of kings, ministers and other officers. It lays down the details on the various affairs of the state, or trade and commerce, of law, of war and peace, of diplomacy, or marriage and divorce, and of military strategy. Arthashastra still remains an excellent textbook of political diplomacy. The story retold here is inspired by the classic Sanskrit play Mudra Rakshasam (The signet ring) written in the 9th Century A.D. by Vishakhadatta of Pataliputra which is believed to be the city of Patna today.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
668 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 28, 2021
I miss Uncle Pai. Such masterpieces should be kept in book museums or something. I mean this is so damn precious! I mean why haven't I read them all yet?!
The art, the stories are amazing and the impact such stories leave on you after reading them is quite incomparable to anything else I say.
The 90s won't come back and so won't be something like this in the future of the Comics world.
Regarding the story, it tells about the times during the reign of Chandragupta with Chanakya as his advisor. I wonder how Uncle Pai did it, but all the details have been so aptly put together in the form of comic and simple short dialogues and presented so well.
The politics, the revenge and the war! Everything is so well done when it comes to this series.
So wholesome!
Forget graphic novels, this is the thing! I am going to order the 73 book box set right now. Damn.
The art, the stories are amazing and the impact such stories leave on you after reading them is quite incomparable to anything else I say.
The 90s won't come back and so won't be something like this in the future of the Comics world.
Regarding the story, it tells about the times during the reign of Chandragupta with Chanakya as his advisor. I wonder how Uncle Pai did it, but all the details have been so aptly put together in the form of comic and simple short dialogues and presented so well.
The politics, the revenge and the war! Everything is so well done when it comes to this series.
So wholesome!
Forget graphic novels, this is the thing! I am going to order the 73 book box set right now. Damn.
April 14, 2007
I have a large collection of Amar Chitra Katha comics back in India. It was my father's way of teaching me about Indian culture and history. And I learnt more from these comics than from a lifetime of studing history.
But of all the comics in the series, Chanakya deserves special mention because it tells the tale of an extraordinary man.
In the years immediately after the death of Alexander the Great, the eastern part of his kingdom (which bordered India) was ruled by Seleucus. At the time the largest kingdom in India was that of Magadha and was ruled by an ineffectual king Nanda.
The story follows the means and methods by which Chanakya goes about toppling Nanda's kingdom and establishing the Maurya dynasty under Chandragupta Maurya which in turn defeats and keeps the Seleucid empire from entering into India.
Although essentially a children's book the story presents history as accurately as possible and shows how far Chanakya went to secure the empire like lacing Chandragupta's food with poison to make him immune to it. I recommend everyone read this book and indeed the rest of the ACK series to learn more about India.
But of all the comics in the series, Chanakya deserves special mention because it tells the tale of an extraordinary man.
In the years immediately after the death of Alexander the Great, the eastern part of his kingdom (which bordered India) was ruled by Seleucus. At the time the largest kingdom in India was that of Magadha and was ruled by an ineffectual king Nanda.
The story follows the means and methods by which Chanakya goes about toppling Nanda's kingdom and establishing the Maurya dynasty under Chandragupta Maurya which in turn defeats and keeps the Seleucid empire from entering into India.
Although essentially a children's book the story presents history as accurately as possible and shows how far Chanakya went to secure the empire like lacing Chandragupta's food with poison to make him immune to it. I recommend everyone read this book and indeed the rest of the ACK series to learn more about India.
November 21, 2023
Historical details about Chanakya are practically non-existent. This wonderful graphic novel narrates his story on the basis of myths and tales scattered among various sources. But what a story that one is!
Enjoy it as a story, without gping into invariable comparisons with Machiavelli and other modern kingmakers, who believed in doing right things without getting tied up with morality.
Recommended.
Enjoy it as a story, without gping into invariable comparisons with Machiavelli and other modern kingmakers, who believed in doing right things without getting tied up with morality.
Recommended.
August 8, 2013
Stays close to the ponytail protagonist we have grown loving. Another delighting offering from beloved Uncle Pai:)
September 24, 2014
Just can't get enough of it.How can someone be such a crude strategist and planner!
August 26, 2017
It brought back fond memories of my childhood. Amar Chitra katha tells the best Indian tales. I totally love it ! Amar Chitra katha books are as good as gold ! Top class illustration. All should read. Ack is known for its great classics. More needs to be put on collection and will read all their classics.
Read
December 28, 2021Aaaah it feels so good to read these comics. I remember reading some at our school when we were kids.
This ACK comic ' Chanakya' is basically about the master economist and king maker of ancient India. The arthshastra (a text on economics and state policy) was writen by him. This comic is quite short and easy to read and provides a brief summary-like story of his life
This ACK comic ' Chanakya' is basically about the master economist and king maker of ancient India. The arthshastra (a text on economics and state policy) was writen by him. This comic is quite short and easy to read and provides a brief summary-like story of his life
February 7, 2016
A short synopsis of Chanakya's political life, the rise of Chandra gupta, the basic theme of his governance & war strategy
October 12, 2017
Informative and pleasing book. Chhotaa packet bada dhamaka. I wanted to read about him quickly. picked this one and read it. I am satisfied with the book.
November 18, 2022
Brilliant book in art and content
A good start and brief outline for anyone (of all age groups) of who chanakya is...Based on this work one can start reading more advanced books of Chanakya.
A good start and brief outline for anyone (of all age groups) of who chanakya is...Based on this work one can start reading more advanced books of Chanakya.
July 6, 2025
"Chanakya : The Kingmaker" by Yagya Sharma unfolded the anecdote of guru Chanakya who used to impart education to his disciples in his asharam. He had knowledge in Political science and Economics. He's known by names such as Kautilya and Vishnu gupta. He served as a prominent advisor for Chandragupta Maurya and I was amazed by how Chanakya assisted Chandragupta Maurya in reigning the Mauryan Empire. His shrewdness helped them tackle any difficult circumstances which came in their way. Not only was he knowledgeable but quick- witted and disciplined as well.
It's a good comic and I'm glad that I invested my time in reading this comic.
It's a good comic and I'm glad that I invested my time in reading this comic.
March 19, 2010
It would take more hundred pages to bring to life what’s in this comic book. Produced in 32 pages, it isn’t a story at all, just information for kids (of all ages). Chanakyan, which Machiavelli was near two millennia after, diplomacy would make fiction an infant.
December 8, 2018
Nice, well written book. Great Illustrations!
Good storytelling, great illustrations. Amar Chitra Katha at its best! Good read for kids as well as adults! Chanakya's story told succinctly and effectively.
Good storytelling, great illustrations. Amar Chitra Katha at its best! Good read for kids as well as adults! Chanakya's story told succinctly and effectively.
May 16, 2019
Dhrupad's review
I love Chanakkya's suspicious, knowledge, and the love for his motherland. His alertness helped Chandragupta defeat Rakhas' cunning plans. Thus I give this book a 4.9 stars
I love Chanakkya's suspicious, knowledge, and the love for his motherland. His alertness helped Chandragupta defeat Rakhas' cunning plans. Thus I give this book a 4.9 stars
June 19, 2019
Super
Very informative book in simple language. Helpful on business administration knowledge for all age groups. . Must read for all.
Very informative book in simple language. Helpful on business administration knowledge for all age groups. . Must read for all.
July 17, 2022
Actual rating :- 3.5 /5 stars.
I really enjoyed this,i read it in one sitting.It was fun and i liked the characters.Chanakya is really smart,they tell you that in one of the first few pages,then they explore why he is so smart.This book was good but there are some problems.Like i wished the war between Chandragupta’s dynasty and the Nanda’s dynasty was more shown and explored.I would have really liked that.
I really enjoyed this,i read it in one sitting.It was fun and i liked the characters.Chanakya is really smart,they tell you that in one of the first few pages,then they explore why he is so smart.This book was good but there are some problems.Like i wished the war between Chandragupta’s dynasty and the Nanda’s dynasty was more shown and explored.I would have really liked that.
July 9, 2025
Chanakya (C) seems to me to be the opposite of Machiavelli; his advice help guide the powerful and influenced society. The term that came to mind was éminence grise (gray eminence); someone who holds considerable influence over a powerful figure. C seems to me to be the first person I have ever read about that did not take advantage of the influence he held - a very unusual situation.
May 17, 2021
Chanakya is an wise man. he was working for a king named Chandragupta. Chandragupta defeated many kings because of his wise very smart Chief Minister, Chanakya. They found many difficulties but fought it back.
August 7, 2022
The details are appropriate and proper, that's what I like about Amar Chitra Katha.
Chanakya was a genius, about whom you could know if you're gonna read this.
Totally recommended.
Chanakya was a genius, about whom you could know if you're gonna read this.
Totally recommended.
February 9, 2023
Chanakya: A primer
A good primer for anyone wanting to get into Chanakya, but it feels kinda off. It doesn't go too deep into any conflict. It is mostly on his time with Chandragupta, it does have some of his famous 'teachings' but that's it
A good primer for anyone wanting to get into Chanakya, but it feels kinda off. It doesn't go too deep into any conflict. It is mostly on his time with Chandragupta, it does have some of his famous 'teachings' but that's it
March 17, 2023
Great story in short well written crisp and easy depiction
Super show by the creative team in depicting this story loved to read it. Chanakya is the most under rated teacher of all times.
Thank you
Super show by the creative team in depicting this story loved to read it. Chanakya is the most under rated teacher of all times.
Thank you
February 19, 2024
Nice read fornall ages
The content is amazing and simplified.
Overall graphics are really good to connect
Must read for everybody especially younger generation to know the great Indian history and the values
The content is amazing and simplified.
Overall graphics are really good to connect
Must read for everybody especially younger generation to know the great Indian history and the values
April 9, 2020
OMG!! Chanakya was so clever & brave. Wonderful story said In short illustrations. After reading this from ACK, I'm looking forward to read Koutilya Arthashastra by Chanakya.
August 1, 2020
It's not something written in a best manner but yes the story seem attractive.
September 7, 2022
A short journey into Chanakya’s life.
September 8, 2022
Extremely short read.
November 12, 2022
Good
The story is good but it good for children not grown-ups . Very short story not detailed at all .
The story is good but it good for children not grown-ups . Very short story not detailed at all .
February 3, 2023
Short and concise
March 26, 2023
This was a decent read. There wasn't really anything I hadn't read before. I didn't know that Chandragupta Maurya's parentage is unclear, so that was something.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews