Today, we discuss the comparative analysis of
The Prince of Machiavelli and the Arthashastra of Kautilya.
This treatise on government is often compared to The Prince by Machiavelli. Based on this comparison, some scholars have attempted to call Kautilya as the Indian Machiavelli. However, this attempt is merely a consequence of superficial observations. Watch Video
Machiavelli’s treatise on government was rejected with horror by almost all early readers. It was an accurate description of the means by which rulers are helped to remain and cling to power. Whereas in Arthashastra; the rulers are helped to win the hearts of the people and the state through the accurate exercise of providing welfare and prosperity to the people.
According to Kautilya, a ruler’s duties towards the internal administration of the country are three-fold: Rakshana or protection of the state from external aggression, Palana or maintenance of law and order within the state, and Yogakshema or safeguarding the welfare of the state. These three basic constituents also imply strong patriotism and nationalism.
Paul Brians has remarked that “although often compared to Machiavelli’s The Prince because of its sometimes ruthless approach to practical politics. Kautilya’s work is far more varied and entertaining than usual accounts of it indicate. He mixes the harsh pragmatism for which he is famed with compassion for the poor, for slaves, and for women. He reveals the imagination of a romancer in imagining all manner of scenarios which can hardly have been commonplace in real life”. (www.wsu.edu)
Writing is the intellectual interpretation of vision. Vision is the window open to philosophy. This is the scriptural metamorphosis of Dr. C.T. William’s writing. It was this scriptural phenomenon that inspired Dr. C.T. William to write several of his remarkable literary works. Being an Indian writer who blossomed in the Gods' own country, Kerala, his literary creations are debated among the chosen intellectual minority rather than the elected popular majority.
C.T. William has nine books to highlight his literary splendors. Manava Vibhava Vikasana Thathwachinthayum Arthashastravum (Malayalam: Philosophy, 2005, Publishers: Kerala Sahithya Academy, Thrissur), Ithuvare (Malayalam: Poems, 2009, Publishers: Current Books, Thrissur), Shabdham Ayodhya Vare Ethumbol (Malayalam: Criticism, 2011, Publishers: Sign Books, Thiruvananthapuram), Vilapatthinte Ilakal (Malayalam: Poems, 2013, Publishers: Maluben Books, Thiruvananthapuram), Nakshathrangal Chuvakkunnilla (Malayalam: Travelogue, 2013, Publishers: Dharmartham Books, Thrissur), Shesham Sheshan (Malayalam: Biography, 2013, Publishers: Mathrubhumi Books, Kozhikode), Kautilya Unleashed (English: Management, 2014, Publishers: Partridge India, A Penguin Random Company), Seethamar Karayukayaanu (Seetha is crying), (Malayalam: Poems, 2018: Publishers: Mentor Books, Thrissur) and Swargeeya Narakam (The heavenly Hell), (Malayalam: Travelogue, 2018: Publishers: Mentor Books, Thrissur).
It was Dr. C.T. William’s unquenchable thirst for pragmatic philosophy that resulted in the writing of the book "Kautilya Unleashed" (published by Partridge India). The practical philosophy he invented and got inspired by the philosophy of human resource development that is inherent in the great Indian classic Arthashastra of Kautilya-the cosmic guru who wrote the Bible of administration and Management.
This book is an authentic guide and hand book for the global citizen to lead a successful life personal, political as well as organizational by applying the gospels of Human Resource Development and Management that have deep-rooted in the Oriental Philosophy. It is the Bible of management, specifically of human resource development. It consists of the gospels of administration, political diplomacy, philosophy of human resource development, economics, psychology of society, and the ethics of war and peace.
"The book Kautilya Unleashed will appeal to readers because it is an essential practical guide for global citizens, students of management, and the leaders of the world," Dr. William said. " Compared to other books of its kind, it is a simplified version of philosophic management thoughts in which students of management and general readers could easily follow and encapsulate," he added.
"Kautilya Unleashed" is the fruitful effort of a decadal intellectual meditation of the author. It will energise the readers and inspire them to work for the reconstruction of themselves, their society, nation, and the world.
