The Arthashastra contains fifteen books which cover numerous topics that are of relevance even today: revolts and rebellions, structure of the state, consumer protection, salaries of government servants, property laws, labour laws, criminal investigations, the penal system, prevention of confederacies and oligarchies, the duties of the king, and a complete code of law, among others.
Kautilya doesn’t bet around the bush in tackling with a critical question within our societies. What is more important? Life or livelihood? He places the importance of life beyond that of livelihood.
In this regard, Kauyilya stands apart and in some ways, opposed to the stance taken by earlier philosophers. Both put together, life and livelihood were considered as the elements in warranting the well-being of the general public.
Protection of life and livelihood constitute, in that order, the elements of securing the welfare of the people
Life is more important than livelihood
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