BUSINESS INSIGHTS FROM ARTHASHASTRA BY KAUTILYA (CHANAKYA) FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF TODAY’S BUSINESS

Abstract

The Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya), composed around the 4th century BCE, is one of the earliest treatises on statecraft, economics, and administration. While originally intended as a manual for rulers, its principles extend beyond governance to offer timeless insights for modern business management. This paper explores key business lessons from the Arthashastra and contextualizes them for effective application in today’s corporate world. Drawing parallels between ancient strategies and contemporary management practices, the study highlights leadership, organizational structure, human resource management, financial prudence, market regulation, corporate ethics, and strategic planning. By reinterpreting Kautilya’s wisdom, businesses can adopt a holistic, ethical, and sustainable approach to management in the 21st century.