MINERALOGY IN KAUṬILYA’S ARTHAŚĀSTRA: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Minerals are one of the natural resources that make a sovereign state self-reliant and strong. Recognizing their significance, Kauṭilya, in his Arthaśāstra, specifically emphasizes the crucial role of minerals. According to him, the king's treasury was built upon from mineral resources. It was from this treasury that the king derived the power to govern his subjects effectively. According to Kauṭilya, the state should retain ownership of mines that contain abundant high-quality ores or minerals, are conveniently accessible, and offer safe and effortless extraction. These mines possess low production costs and yield substantial profits. The significance of minerals in capital growth for a state, their connection to warfare, and the regulation of mineral production and procurement were just as vital in ancient times.