Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature

SR No.: 007699
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan
Publication Year: 2014
Total Pages: 257
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 1 MB

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[14] The Jaina-references: Useful in removing many doubts :
The Jaina references are valuable because they help the scholars to remove many doubts about Candragupta, Cāṇakya and his Arthaśāstra. They are -
(i) Cāṇakya and Candragupta Maurya both are the histiric personalities. The date of Candragupta's coronation is documented in the Parisiṣṭa-parva with reference to the year of Mahāvīra-nirvāṇa. (ii) Cāṇakya, Kautilya and Viṣṇugupta are the names of the same person. Probably 'Viṣṇugupta' is the birth-name, 'Cāṇakya' after the name of his birthplace and ‘Kautilya' - no doubt an epithet.
(iii) The Kautilya's Arthaśāstra was an important part of syllabus in the prominent Indian study-centres like Nālandā.
(iv) The Arthaśāstra is not a tentative collection on Polity but a deliberate effort of a genius called Cāṇakya and an epitome of the śastric knowledge combined with the real experiences of his own. That is why the Jainas call the Arthaśāstra as the ultimate expression of Cāṇakya's pāriṇāmikī-buddhi.
(v) Cāṇakya-Candragupta-relationship was that of an ideal guru and a faithful disciple. Caṇakya was really Candragupta's mentor, guide and philosopher.
[15] A total justice given to Cāṇakya's personality :
When we reflect comprehensively on the personality of Cāṇakya from the Jaina point of view, we observe that - he possesses detached world-views; is deviod of personal vested interests and ambitions; a total ‘aparigrahi' by nature and also by having no issues; who distributed all his meager wealth among the relatives before accepting wilful death very bravely; his liberal and practical