In the Kautilyan state, all forms of livelihood were protected, with no preferences with respect to the area of economic activity.
Protection of trade routes from harassment by courtiers, state officials, thieves and frontier officers.
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.
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