The Arthasastra of Kautalya (3 Vols-Set)

Contents: Vol. I. Part- I. 1 and 2 Adhikaranas: 1. On discipline. 2. Authorities.

Vol. II. Part- II. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Adhikaranas: 3. On laws. 4. Removal of thorns. 5. The conduct of courtiers. 6. The source of Sovereign States. 7. The Sixfold Policy.

Vol. III. Part- II. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 Adhikaranas: 8. Concerning vices and calamities. 9. Actions of an invader. 10. Relating to war. 11. The conduct of corporations. 12. Concerning a powerful enemy. 13. Means to capture a fortress. 14. Secret means. 15. The plan of a treatise.

From the Introduction: "The present text of Arthasastra is divided into fifteen Adhikaranas dealing with important topics and is divided further into 180 Prakaranas. These Prakaranas are fitted into a scheme of 150 Adhyayas. Kautilya prefaced Book I with an exclusive chapter, enumerating the contents of the volume.

Books I to V comprising 95 Prakarnas, deal with Tantra. Book I deals with the discipline and training of the king or prince, his daily round of duties, principles for the exercise of Danda and qualifications of the ministers of various cadres and also of spies. Book II deals with the bureaucratic set up of the administrative organisation of state, the duties and responsibilities of the of the various Heads of Department and of the hierarchy of officials, the lay out of settlement as well as the planning of forts and fortified towns etc. Book III deals with civil laws and administration of justice. Book IV deals with criminal laws and suppression of anti-social elements. Book V deals with action against sedition and treason, measures to combat a financial crisis; and such other matters as the scales of pay of state official etc. Books VI to XIV, comprising eighty four Prakaranas, deal with Avapa. Books VI to VII deal with essential characteristics of the state, described as consisting of Saptangas, the six fold political expedients in the field of diplomacy in the inter-state circles, described as Sadgunya. Book VIII deals with the nature of the dangers and calamities which may befall the King and the body politic, from within and without or due to natural disasters. Books IX-X deal with military campaigns and ancillary problems. Book XI deals with economic guilds and political corporations and measures for controlling them.

Books XII-XIII deal with methods of intrigue and the employment of secret agencies against aggressive enemies and also during military expeditions, and with such topics as ameliorative measures be taken in a conquered country. Book XIV contains secret recipes designed to remedy afflictions caused by enemy action. Book XV consisting of single Prakarana, is of special significance. It is in the form of a glossary of 32 technical terms and verbal contractions used in the text."