Sambodhi 2004 Vol 27

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 22

RAJALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN
SAMBODHI
Arthaśāstra really means science of wealth and it is connected with Atharva veda. In true sense, it is Economics. It includes śāstras like Nītiśāstra, the science of Ethics, Rājyaśāstra, the science of Politics, Dharmaśāstra, Public Administration, Taxation policies, law making, implementing, budget making, allotments of funds for different projects, appointment of higher officials, labourers, special duty officers during emergency such as war-time, protection of the kingdom and people in all respects are all elaborated in this science. Dharmaśāstra deals with both single person's duties and responsibilities as well as that of the society as a whole. So the connotation and subject matter of this is very vast and one can understand the importance of this Šāstra, as it is connected with wealth and economics which are essential for day to day living. Because of its nature one can see its description in the kāvyas, Purāņas, and other classical literatures in one form or other. The original book for this śāstra is the ‘arthaśāstra' written by "Kautilya'. Peaceful and comfortable life is needed to pursue knowledge and this science gives the way for that, hence might have been included as a 'Upaveda'. Unlike other upavedas which are postfixed with the word veda, knowledge, this one is not posted with the word of knowledge but of science.
In classical literatures this śāstra plays an important role. Bhatta Bāna's 'Sukanāsa upadeśa' is a concrete example which cannot be ignored at any point of time no matter whichever region one may belong to. Dandi's 'Dasakumāracaritam' the expedition of ten princes and sharing of their experiences is a unique description. In 'Kālidāsa's' creations we see the king's responsibilities and how they pursued it without any blemish is a wonderful depiction. The characteristic qualities of the kings of Raghu race motivated him to compose 'Raghuvamsam'. The kingly duties are well depicted and the taxation policy of Dilipa is very famous and it has surpassed time and space.
Prajānām bhütyarthameva tābhyo balimagrahit Sahasrgunamutsrustumādatte hi rasam ravih | Raghuvamsa 1-18
King Dilipa collected taxes only to provide beneficial comforts for his own people. The sun sucks the water from the earth only to rain them back profusely.
Now let us see how this science has been dealt with in Rāmāyana. Rāmāyana is the life history of Rāma, son of King Dasaratha. Being the son of the great emperor, and as monarchy prevailed at that time, the next heir apparent to the throne after King Dasaratha was Rāma, the eldest of the four sons. In this context the close connection of this state-craft can be understood clearly. Society is comprised of the ruler and the ruled. Both have to follow the rules and