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Mauryan ringstone, Northwest Pakistan, 3rd century BCE. (British Museum, London)
Arthashastra, Duties of a King
(c. fourth century B.C.)
Arthashastra, Duties of a King
(c. fourth century B.C.)
BACKGROUND: The Arthashastra (roughly, “science of politics”) has often been attributed to Chānaka (c.350-283 B.C.), a prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya during the early phases of the Mauryan Empire. The text is very broad-ranging, covering issues ranging from war making to law enforcement, the conservation of forests, economic policy, the use of spies, and the education of future leaders. The excerpt below is one of the few references to religion from the text.
BOOK XIII, "STRATEGIC MEANS TO CAPTURE A FORTRESS,"
CHAPTER V. RESTORATION OF PEACE IN A CONQUERED COUNTRY
Having acquired a new territory, he should cover the enemy's vices with his own virtues, and the enemy's virtues by doubling his own virtues, by strict observance of his own duties, by attending to his works, by bestowing rewards, by remitting taxes, by giving gifts, and by bestowing honours. He should follow the friends and leaders of the people. He should give rewards, as promised, to those who deserted the enemy for his cause; he should also offer rewards to them as often as they render help to him; for whoever fails to fullfil his promises becomes untrustworthy both to his own and his enemy's people
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