Political Science · Indian Political Thought
Which attributes can be assigned to Kautilya's Arthashastra?
- 1. Pragmatism
- 2. Realism
- 3. Normative concept of statecraft
- 4. Inter-state relations
A1, 2 and 4 ✓ Correct
B1 and 4
C1, 3 and 4
D1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct answer: (A) 1, 2 and 4 — Attributes 1, 2 and 4 fit the Arthashastra, so the answer is 1, 2 and 4.
Explanation
★Attributes 1, 2 and 4 fit the Arthashastra, so the answer is 1, 2 and 4.
★The Arthashastra is pragmatic, concerned with what works to gain and keep power.
★It is realist, treating power and interest, not morality, as the basis of statecraft.
★It deals at length with inter-state relations through the Rajamandala and the six measures of policy.
★Attribute 3 is wrong, because the Arthashastra is a realist, not a normative, concept of statecraft.
★It describes how rulers actually should act for advantage, not how an ideal moral state ought to be.
★This realism is why Max Weber compared it to Machiavelli's Prince.
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