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.
Order was maintained by controlling movement and activities like drinking and gambling. A curfew was normally imposed in the cities at night. Care was, however, taken to ensure that the city guards did not use it to misbehave with women.
By restricting drinking to authorized drinking halls, not permitting large quantities of alcohol to be bought, taken away or stocked, by not selling on credit and by punishing anyone moving about in a drunken state, the effects of drunkenness on society was contained.
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