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.
In his treatise, Kautilya explains in-depth, the textile industry of the state. It was a decentralized mostly, with women working behind making the clothes of the time.
The spinning of yarn was decentralized, carried out by women, particularly those to whom this was the only means of livelihood. Weaving was both decentralized by contracting work out to weavers on a piece-rate basis and carried out under state supervision in specially built weaving sheds for special types of cloth.
The industry also included making of ropes, straps, thongs and similar equipment for animals.
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