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The Arthasastra

Selections from the Classic Indian Work on Statecraft
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Arthasastra is the sole surviving ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, offering invaluable insight into classical South Asian political philosophy. It provides a detailed, thematic exploration of governance, strategy, and societal organisation from the era spanning the Maurya to Gupta empires. This edition presents carefully curated English translations, illuminating the complexities of political and social life in ancient India.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This work is ideal for students and scholars of political theory, history, and South Asian studies, as well as readers interested in classical political treatises and ancient society.

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The only extant treatise on statecraft from classical India, The Arthasastra The Arthasastra .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The only extant treatise on statecraft from classical India, The Arthasastra is an invaluable resource for understanding ancient South Asian political thought. It also provides a comprehensive and unparalleled panoramic view of Indian society during the period between the Maurya (320-185 BCE) and Gupta (320-497 CE) empires.

This volume offers modern English translations of key selections, organized thematically, from The Arthasastra.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Esteemed scholars praise the volume for its meticulous translations and clear commentary, making a dense classical text accessible to both specialists and general readers. Randolph C. Head highlights its value for political history courses, while Timothy Lubin commends the accuracy and clarity of the translation. James Frey notes the introduction's potential as a definitive guide in South Asian studies, welcoming its accessible style for students.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781603848480

Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 September 2012

Country: United States

Imprint: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Illustration: Illustrations

Contributors:

  • Edited and translated by Patrick Olivelle
  • Edited and translated by Mark McClish

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 312g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Mark McClish is Assistant Professor of Religion at Birmingham-Southern College.

Patrick Olivelle is Professor of Sanskrit and Indian Religions and the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin.

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