INDIA OF CHANAKYA'S DREAMS

Chanakya envisioned India as a nation which would place itself as the forerunner – politically, economically and socially. His magnum opus, "Arthashatra", depicts in many ways the India of His dreams. When he wrote this volume of epic proportion, the country was ridden in feudalism and closed and self-sufficient economy. The economy based on indigenous ways of production; was in a transitional phase, moving towards the advanced aspects of distribution and production. Culture and regional politics directed the way in which trade was done. The main activities of the economy were agriculture, cattle rearing and commerce. Among the three, Chanakya considered agriculture to be the most important constituent of the economy. It’s a fact today that the Indian economy of today is an agro based one. Covering various topics on administration, politics and economy, it is a book of law and a treatise on running a country which is relevant even today.

People who think that the society in which we live will remain the same; are dissuading themselves of the truth. Society is a complex and dynamic system changing constantly leaving those people behind who say no to change. Broadly speaking, Chanakya dreamt of a country reaching the following levels of development in terms of ideologies and social and economic development:

1. A self sufficient economy which is not dependent on foreign trade.
2. An egalitarian society where there are equal opportunities for all.
3. Establishment of new colonies for the augmentation of resources. He also advocated the development of the already annexed colonies. His imperialistic views can be interpreted as the development of natural and man made resources of the
4. According to Chanakya, the efficient management of land is essential for the development of resources. It is essential that the state keeps an eye on the occupation of excess land by the landlords and unauthorized use of land. Ideally the state should monitor the most important and vital resource – Land.
5. The state should take care of agriculture at all times. Government machinery should be directed towards the implementation of projects aimed at supporting and nurturing the various processes; beginning from sowing of seeds to harvest.
6. The nation should envisage to construct forts and cities. These complexes would protect the country from invasions and provide internal security. The cities would act as giant markets increasing the revenue of the state.
7. Internal trade was more important to Chanakya than external trade. At each point of the entry of goods, a minimal amount of tax should be collected. The state should collect taxes at a bare minimum level, so that there is no chance of tax evasion.
8. Laws of the state should be the same for all, irrespective of the person who is involved in the case. Destitute women should be protected by the society because they are the result of social exploitation and the uncouth behavior of men.
9. Security of the citizens at peace time is very important because state is the only savior of the men and women who get affected only because of the negligence of the state. Antisocial elements should be kept under check along with the spies who may enter the country at any time.
10. Chanakya envisioned a society where the people are not running behind material pleasures. Control over the sense organs is essential for success in any endeavor. Spiritual development is essential for the internal strength and character of the individual. Material pleasures and achievements are always secondary to the spiritual development of the society and country at large.

THE MOMENTOUS LIFE OF CHANAKYA

Chanakya’s Birth

Chanakya (also known as Kautilya, Vishnugupta, Canakya, Vatsyayana and numerous other names) took birth in a culturally and spiritually rich India. A society abound with educated, valorous, service minded and the spiritual minded people formed the breeding ground for the Statesman who would take birth and change the political map of India like never before. Hinduism with all its fervor and magnanimity beseeched the country. Time neared for the birth of Chanakya at a critical juncture of Indian history; when all over the world great philosophers either had taken birth or were at the peak of their luster. The state which is presently known as Bihar was the birth place of this great leader called Chanakya. There are in fact various theories connected with the validity of his native place. Punjab, Kerala, Magadha, Varanasi, Kanchipuram and Taxila in Bihar are attributed to be his birth place. Most of the historians agree on the ground that the city of Taxila was his birthplace. His father known as Canak was a Rishi (a teacher of great learning)

Canak ran towards the labor room and came back after a long while. His friends quite surprised at the behavior of Canak and asked in a single voice, "What did you do in the room leaving us alone?"

"I went to rub off the teeth which would become a reason for my son becoming the Emperor of the country. I went to the river to wash myself after committing such a deed."

"What is the reason for rubbing off the teeth of the tender and innocent child?" asked the exasperated friends of Canak.

Quickly came the reply, "I don’t want my son to be a king."

The guests said, "Give us the reason for such a thought."

"When a person becomes a king, he has to do many wrong deeds in the name of running the country. These corrupt deeds are sins leading to the doors of hell. And I don’t want my son to suffer the pains of hell."

Just then, the astrologer laughed and retorted, saying "Your rubbing of the teeth will have some effect on the fate of your son, but… He will definitely become a great minister… and a King Maker."

Listening to the reply of the astrologer, Canak was bewildered.

History has it that he indeed became the greatest of administrators and king makers. This story has been narrated at many places showing the legendary character of Chanakya and the mysticism involved in the making of this statesman.