Chanakya

375 BC - 283 BC

Sometimes spelled Cāṇakya or Kauṭilya or Vishnugupta

Chanakya was an Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal advisor. Many regard Chanakya as a great thinker and diplomat. Some Indian nationalists even argue that he is one of the earliest people to envisage an united India spanning the entire subcontinent. Originally a professor of economics and political science at the ancient university of Takshashila, Chanakya managed the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta's rise to power at a young age. Consequently, he is widely credited as being instrumental in establishing the Maurya Empire. Chanakya served as the chief advisor to both emperors Chandragupta and his son Bindusara.

Two books are attributed to Chanakya: Arthashastra and Chanakya Niti. The Arthashastra discusses monetary and fiscal policies, welfare, international relations, and war strategies in detail. The text also outlines the duties of a ruler. Chanakya Niti is a collection of aphorisms, said to be selected by Chanakya from the various shastras. Some consider these works as evidence that Chanakya pioneered the field of political science and economics in India, and that his work was an important precursor to classical economics. His writings were lost near the end of the Gupta Empire, then were rediscovered in 1915, and have since grown in popularity.