Artha means material well being, economic prosperity, wealth, power, administration and management of resources. In Indian philosophy Artha is accepted as one of the four Purusarthas and is considered necessary for a stable and responsible life. Artha should be earned through righteous means and used for welfare. Many ancient Indian texts deal with Artha and provide scientific and practical guidance for personal, social, economic and political life. Among them Kautiliya Arthashastra, Kamandakiya Nitisara, Brihaspati Sutra and Sukra Niti are very important. These texts explain statecraft, diplomacy, economic management, leadership, taxation, law and welfare policies.
Kautilya Arthashastra
Kautilya also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta wrote Arthashastra during the Mauryan period. This text is one of the most detailed works on economics, political science, administration, national security, foreign policy and law. It explains how a king should gain, protect and expand the kingdom while maintaining Dharma. Kautilya believed that poverty, disorder and injustice destroy the state so a ruler must focus on effective planning, agriculture, trade, tax management and public welfare.
Arthashastra gives guidelines for revenue collection, budgeting, trade routes, weights and measures, mining, irrigation, forest protection and punishment for corruption. It explains that government officials must be loyal, disciplined and regularly supervised because misuse of power harms society. Kautilya believed that the happiness of subjects is the happiness of the king and their welfare should be the first responsibility of the state. He also explained espionage, alliances, treaties and war strategies. According to him, wealth and security are essential for maintaining law, culture and spiritual growth. Arthashastra shows a very scientific and practical model of governance.
Kamandakiya Nitisara
Kamandakiya Nitisara is another important work on Artha and Niti Shastra. It mainly focuses on leadership qualities, diplomacy, administration and ethics in ruling. The text teaches that a good ruler should be well educated, self controlled, courageous and fair. It explains that a king should protect citizens, promote learning, develop economy, maintain peace and avoid unnecessary wars. Nitisara gives importance to patience, discretion, truthfulness, planning and proper timing before taking any action.
The text explains different types of ministers and advisors and suggests that only honest and experienced persons should be appointed in administrative positions. It also teaches that a king should listen calmly and take decisions after deep thinking. Kamandakiya Nitisara supports the use of negotiation, agreement and peaceful methods before war. It also explains secret diplomacy and punishment for betrayal. The text always connects Artha with Dharma and states that immoral earning and cruel rule will destroy power. Nitisara provides balanced and wise instruction for governance and leadership development.
Brihaspati Sutra
Brihaspati Sutra deals with law, economics, judicial matters, taxation, trade, finance, property rights and punishment. It explains how social and economic order can be maintained through well organised laws and justice. The text gives guidance on contracts, loans, interest, wages, partnership, inheritance, business disputes and fraud. Brihaspati recognises that healthy economic activities improve social life so rules must encourage honest trade and protect consumers.
It describes the duties of judges, lawyers and witnesses. Witness must be truthful and free from fear or greed. Judges should consider circumstances and intention behind actions. Brihaspati suggests that punishment should be quick, fair and not based on anger. The text also focuses on protecting poor and vulnerable citizens because justice must be equal for all. It also explains the role of taxation and says that taxes must not be very high and the collected money should be used for development. Brihaspati Sutra highlights the relationship between law and economic welfare and gives a clear base for developing a fair justice system.
Sukra Niti
Sukra Niti is a text on state administration, military training, diplomacy, economics and ethics. It gives practical knowledge related to planning, discipline, war preparations, public finance, business protection and behaviour of leaders. Sukra Niti teaches that a king must be strict in law but kind in behaviour. It focuses on developing strong defence systems, proper training of soldiers and maintaining internal security. It also explains that a strong economy is necessary for a strong army so agriculture, crafts, trade and industries must be encouraged.
The text explains methods to detect corruption and punish criminals. It also gives rules for selecting ministers, army officers, accountants and judges. Sukra Niti teaches that the ruler must keep confidential information safe and avoid bad advisers. It also guides how to protect national wealth, natural resources and public property. The text connects Niti, Artha and Dharma and teaches that long lasting progress can be achieved only through moral leadership. Sukra Niti also includes lessons for citizens such as discipline, honesty, loyalty and respect for law.