Kautilya

 Philosophers do not create justices or injustices, they already exist in the society. Philosophers only respond and react to them. By 4th century BC, patriarchy; gender -- its ideology; gendered notions of sexuality along with taboos and inhibitions meant to control female sexuality and thereby personality, was an established fact. Plato was revolutionary in this regard to allow women equal right to education, public offices and even to become philosopher queen. He is rebuked by his student for giving away the enslavement of women, one of the historic achievements of man. In ancient India too, patriarchy and prostitution were established facts. Prostitution was a recognized, prevalent institution. Nevertheless prostitutes, widows and single women enjoyed much better rights and state protection in Kautilya's Arthshastra. Care and livelihood of widows and single women was state responsibility. Many prostitutes and single women were secret agents and enjoyed good salary and many other privileges including legal immunity in many fields. Kautilya was not interested in social change but to maintain the existing system well. His interest was creation and expansion of state -- monarchy -- attaining/retaining/expanding power. Using existing superstitions and prejudices in the interest of the state as part of Apaddharma. Ensuring observance of Vedic Dharma, i.e. Varnaashram Dharma was also part of Rajdharma.

Thanks Debu! for your enlightening, scholarly intervention. True it was not for general consumption but for specialists. NARENDRAARTHE. Not only it does not trace the divine origin of state and statecraft but also does not give any space to religion or priest in his definition of state in terms of 7 constituent elements. I also agree with you that it was written drawing inferences from the previous schools of thought. We find many references in Arthashastra itself of many previous traditions, schools and teachers of the statecraft. Kautilya sounds a contemporary scholar. He begins building his theory with the literature review. He would conclude the citations of other teachers by "nesti Kautilya" (Not Kautilya's views) and wouild conclude his vies with "iti Kautliya". (Kautilya's views)