World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues
Year : 2014, Volume : 18, Issue : 2
First page : ( 64) Last page : ( 72)
Print ISSN : 0971-8052. Online ISSN : 0974-0937.

Kautilya's Arthashastra and the Panchatantra: A Comparative Evaluation

Gautam Pradeep Kumar

Online published on 6 August, 2014.

Abstract

This article compares the ancient Indian text the Arthashastra with the famous animal fables of the Panchatantra and shows how these literary traditions radiated from India and have survived into modern times. It also analyses some of their moral aspects at various levels—from the individual to the state—manifesting the dualistic strand in Indian philosophy. The author concludes with a plea to preserve the animal actors and natural ecosystem that provide common sense lessons for human behaviour.

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