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Kautilya's Arthashastra: A Neglected Precursor to Classical Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Waldauer

    (School of Management, Widener University)

  • William J. Zahka

    (School of Management, Widener University)

  • Surendra Pal

    (School of Management, Widener University)

Abstract

This paper demonstrates that Kautilya, a great Indian Philosopher-statesman and contemporary of Aristotle, and whose work was lost for more than 1400 years, anticipated classical economic thought by some 2,000 years in the areas of international trade, taxation and a labour theory of value. This aspect of Kautilya's philosophy of government has been overlooked by historians of economic thought and we believe that his contributions should receive appropriate and overdue recognition.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Waldauer & William J. Zahka & Surendra Pal, 1996. "Kautilya's Arthashastra: A Neglected Precursor to Classical Economics," Indian Economic Review, Department of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, vol. 31(1), pages 101-108, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:dse:indecr:v:35:y:1996:i:1:p:101-108
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Marinko Škare, 2013. "The missing link: From Kautilya’s The Arthashastra to modern economics," The Journal of Philosophical Economics, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, The Journal of Philosophical Economics, vol. 6(2), May.
    2. Satish Deodhar & Sriram Balasubramanian, 2020. "The Pre-kautilyan Period: a sustainable model through ancient economic ideas and practices," Working Papers 0199, European Historical Economics Society (EHES).
    3. Deodhar, Satish Y., 2020. "The Pre-Kautilyan Period: Crucible Of Proto Economic Ideas And Practices," IIMA Working Papers WP 2020-10-03, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.
    4. Deodhar, Satish Y., 2020. "Shukranitisara: A Political Economy Text at the Cusp of Indian Kingdoms and Colonial Rule (Revised as on 15/03/3021)," IIMA Working Papers WP 2020-08-02, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.
    5. Vijaya Murthy & Jim Rooney, 2018. "The Role of Management Accounting in Ancient India: Evidence from the Arthasastra," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 152(2), pages 323-341, October.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B1 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925
    • B3 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals

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