Arthashastra in Malay
अर्थशास्त्र
The Science of Wealth and Statecraft
The foundational treatise on governance, economics, law, diplomacy, and military strategy by Kautilya.
Start ReadingAbout This Book
The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, attributed to Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), the legendary advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Written in the 4th century BCE, it is one of the most comprehensive works on governance ever composed, covering everything from the training of a king and the duties of ministers to taxation, law, espionage, diplomacy, and warfare. Its 15 books (adhikaranas), 150 chapters, and 5,337 sutras form a complete science of state administration.
How This Book Is Organised
The Arthashastra is structured as a systematic treatise progressing from internal governance to external strategy.
Adhikaranas
15 books covering distinct domains
Adhyayas
Chapters within each book
Sutras
Aphorisms read one by one
Available Reading Features
This edition of the Arthashastra on Vedapath includes:
Original Sanskrit sutras (Devanagari)
Transliteration for guided reading
Word-by-word meanings
Clear, faithful translations
Governance domain analysis and strategic context
Adhikaranas of the Arthashastra
The Arthashastra is divided into fifteen Adhikaranas (books).
Each Adhikarana covers a distinct domain of statecraft and governance.
Book 1: Vinayaadhikaarika (Concerning Discipline)
Concerning Discipline
Buku 1 Arthaśāstra mendasarkan semua pentadbiran negara pada vinaya, iaitu disiplin.
Book 2: Adhyakshaprachara (The Duties of Government Superintendents)
Duties of Superintendents
Buku 2 ialah manual pentadbiran Arthaśāstra, tugas para adhyakṣa yang menguruskan jabatan-jabatan negeri.
Book 3: Dharmasthiya (Concerning Law)
Concerning Law
Buku 3 menghimpunkan undang-undang yang diaplikasikan oleh hakim-hakim raja, iaitu dharmastha, terhadap pertikaian di kalangan rakyatnya.
Book 4: Kantakashodhana (Removal of Thorns)
Removal of Thorns
Buku 4 ialah kitab Kauṭilya tentang perlindungan orang ramai, penyingkiran duri (kaṇṭakaśodhana): segala yang memangsa rakyat.
Book 5: Yogavritta (The Conduct of Courtiers)
Conduct of Courtiers
Buku 5 beralih kepada istana dan perbendaharaan pada masa sukar.
Book 6: Mandala-yoni (The Source of Sovereign States)
Source of Sovereign States
Buku 6 meletakkan asas bagi dasar luar.
Book 7: Shadgunya (The Sixfold Policy)
The Sixfold Policy
Buku 7 ialah manual dasar luar negara Kauṭilya, dibina atas enam langkah yang lahir daripada maṇḍala, lingkaran negeri-negeri: keamanan, peperangan, berdiam diri, kemaraan, mencari perlindungan, dan dasar berganda.
Book 8: Vyasanadhikarana (Concerning Vices and Calamities)
Vices and Calamities
Buku 8 membincangkan bencana (vyasana), kemalangan yang menimpa unsur-unsur sebuah negara, dan mana antaranya lebih berat apabila beberapa bencana berlaku serentak.
Book 9: Abhiyasyatkarma (The Work of an Invader)
Work of an Invader
Buku 9 menetapkan apa yang harus dipertimbangkan oleh seorang penyerang sebelum dan semasa kempen. Kauṭilya membandingkan kuasa tenaga, kekuatan dan nasihat, menyelaraskan kemaraan tentera dengan tempat dan musim, dan memilih jenis pasukan yang akan dikerahkan.
Book 10: Sangrama (Relating to War)
Relating to War
Buku 10 ialah buku pertempuran dalam Arthaśāstra. Ia menghuraikan kem yang berkubu, susunan dan perlindungan tentera semasa mara, serta pilihan antara pertempuran terbuka dan peperangan berkhianat (kūṭayuddha), dengan cara-cara untuk menstabilkan tentera sendiri.
Book 11: Sangha (Policy towards Oligarchies)
Policy towards Oligarchies
Buku 11 membincangkan tentang saṃgha, iaitu konfederasi dan entiti politik korporat yang kekuatannya terletak pada perpaduan mereka. Kauṭilya menganggap memenangi saṃgha sebagai keuntungan terbaik di atas segala-galanya, melebihi tentera atau sekutu.
Book 12: Abaliyasam (Concerning a Powerful Enemy)
Concerning a Powerful Enemy
Buku 12 ditujukan bagi raja yang lemah yang diserang oleh raja yang lebih kuat.
Book 13: Durgalambhopaya (Strategic Means for Capturing a Fort)
Capturing a Fort
Buku 13 ialah panduan Kauṭilya untuk menawan kubu dan memegang apa yang dimenangi.
Book 14: Aupanishadika (Secret Means)
Secret Means
Buku 14 menghimpunkan kaedah-kaedah rahsia (aupaniṣadika) yang boleh digunakan oleh seorang raja, menurut Kauṭilya, terhadap mereka yang amat zalim, demi melindungi tatanan sosial.
Book 15: Tantrayukti (Plan of a Treatise)
Plan of a Treatise
Buku 15 menutup Arthaśāstra dengan kaedahnya.
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