Kautilya's Arthashastra — Ancient Indian Statecraft & Governance | BharatVidya
Governance & Strategy

Kautilya's Arthashastra

Arthaśāstra (Arthashastra) is a classical Indian treatise on statecraft—governance, administration, diplomacy, war strategy, intelligence, and economic management—traditionally associated with Kauṭilya (Chanakya). This is a text-led reading course (not “Chanakya quotes” or self-help), designed for learners who want a clear, structured way to study one of the world's most influential treatises on governance, diplomacy, warfare and economics.

15 Video Hours 16 Lessons Self-paced Certificate
₹2,400 One-time · Lifetime access
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Kautilya's Arthashastra Course
Duration 15 Video Hours
Effort 30 Learning Hours
Level Beginner–Intermediate
Language English
Mode Self-paced
Certificate Yes, Shareable

About the Course

The Arthashastra is a foundational text of ancient Indian political thought, statecraft and economics, composed by Kauṭilya (Chaṇakya). It lays out a complete framework for governance, administration, diplomacy, warfare and economic management.

Designed and delivered by Dr. Manish Walvekar, this course presents a chapter-by-chapter exploration of the text and its philosophy, showing how its strategic and ethical insights can inform modern leadership and policy.

Learning Outcomes

  • Comprehend the structural and philosophical foundations of the Arthaśāstra.
  • Understand ancient Indian perspectives on governance, diplomacy, and economic management.
  • Appreciate the relevance of Kauṭilya's principles in contemporary statecraft and organisational leadership.
  • Gain analytical tools to apply strategic and tactical insights in modern contexts.

Who Should Join

Students, professionals, researchers and enthusiasts seeking applicable insights from Arthashastra.

History Political Science Economics Indian Knowledge Systems Leadership Policy Studies
Course Content

Curriculum

14 Modules 16 Videos ~15 Hours
01 Introduction 43 min ▼
A Brief Introduction of Kautilya's Arthashastra 43:21
02 Vinayadhikarikam 1h 29m ▼
Vinayadhikarikam Part 1 43:50
Vinayadhikarikam Part 2 45:45
03 Adhyakshaprachara 1h 24m ▼
Adhyakshaprachara Part 1 35:42
Adhyakshaprachara Part 2 48:30
04 Dharmasthiyam 1h 03m ▼
Dharmasthiyam Part 1 30:07
Dharmasthiyam Part 2 33:06
05 Kantakashodhanam 41 min ▼
Kantakashodhanam 40:59
06 Mandalayoni 38 min ▼
Mandalayoni 37:33
07 Shadgunyam 31 min ▼
Shadgunyam Part 1 30:51
08–13 Textual Readings 6h 13m ▼
Vidya-samuddesha: Aanvikshiki 1:03:09
Vidya-samuddesha: Vartta & Dandaniti 1:00:48
Raja-pranidhi 58:54
Vivaha-sanyuktam 55:19
Prakruti-sampadah 57:00
Shama-vyayamikam 58:10
14 Quiz & Assessment 2 Exercises ▼
Arthashastra Examination Quiz
Arthashastra Quiz Quiz
Questions

Frequently Asked

Is the course self-paced?
Yes. Learn at your own pace with lifetime access. There are no deadlines or fixed schedules.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No prior knowledge is required. The course is designed for beginners to intermediate learners interested in Indian political philosophy and statecraft.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. A shareable certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course and assessment.
Can I access on mobile?
Yes. All courses work seamlessly on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.
How long do I have access?
Lifetime. Once enrolled, you can access the course content indefinitely.
Who teaches this course?
Dr. Manish Walvekar, a scholar associated with the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), one of India's most respected Indological research institutions.

Begin Your Journey into Statecraft

Gain timeless strategic insights from one of the world's most influential treatises on governance.

₹2,400
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Kautilya's Arthashastra: Ancient Indian Statecraft Course | BharatVidya