Kavyanushasana Part 2

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Rasiklal C Parikh, Ramchandra B Athvale
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 49

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Kavyanusasana
The Arthaṣastra, whose authorship is attributed to Vishnugupta Chanakya - the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya, throws some side - light on Surashtra and Aparanta in the time of Mauryas. In those days, we learn from it, there were Sreņisguilds of Kshatriyas and others in Surashtra and Kambhoja who followed the profession of ' Vārtta' that is agriculture, breeding of cattle, and commerce, and 'Sastra' that is arms. This description of the war - like tribes of Kathiawar agrees well with their historical profession almost to the end of the 19th century. This may also very well refer to the Yadavas, Yaudheyas, Abhiras etc. who must have been then in possession of Surashtra.
Elephants were a very important part of the army in Ancient India. In fact, according to the Arthaṣastra the successes of the kings principally depended upon the elephants.' In this context we find that elephants from Aparanta or west coast were of middle size, while the Saurashtra elephants were of smaller size.
When discussing the question of the amount of rain necessary for good crops in different parts of India the Arthasastra says 23 droņas-(rain was measured by a drona) are necessary for Avanti, but for Aparanta the amount is 'amita', that is, unmeasured or unknown.
When giving information on the best variety of cotton, the Arthaṣāstra mentions Aparanta cotton next to Madhura cotton, that is, Madura cotton. Broach cotton is still famous and rates of cotton in Indian markets are quoted even to-day in terms of Broach.