Artha, meaning wealth, is one of four supreme aims suggested by Hindu tradition. However, as the Arthashastra divulges, it has a much wider connotation, and the material well-being of individuals is just a part of it. A curiously inclusive discourse of statecraft, the Arthashastra is testimony to Kautilya’s genius and foresight.
Kautilya doesn’t beat 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 wellbeing of the general public.
If a person lost his belongings, as part of a judicial process, Kautilya mentions the necessity of aiding the said person to continue to work.
Protection of life and livelihood constituted, in that order, the elements of securing the welfare of the people. Disagreeing with earlier teachers, Kautilya points out that life was more important than livelihood.
Even when a man’s property was attached by a decree in a civil suit, he was not to be deprived of the tools of his trade.
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