Arthashastra - Rules to build a Kingdom

Arthashastra - "a book of political realism, a book analysing how the political world does work and not very often stating how it ought to work, a book that frequently discloses to a Leader (king) what calculating and sometimes brutal measures he must carry out to preserve the state and the common good."

Arthashastra deals in detail with the qualities and disciplines required for a Rajarishi- a wise and virtuous Leader (king).
"In the happiness of his subjects lies the Leader's happiness, in their welfare his welfare. He shall not consider as good only that which pleases him but treat as beneficial to him whatever pleases his subjects" - Kautilya.

According to Kautilya, a Rajarishi is one who:

• Has self-control, having conquered the inimical temptations of the senses;
• Cultivates the intellect by association with elders;
• Keeps his eyes open through spies;
• Is ever active in promoting the security & welfare of the people;
• Ensures the observance (by the people) of their dharma by authority & example;
• Improves his own discipline by (continuing his) learning in all branches of knowledge; and
• Endears himself to his people by enriching them & doing good to them.

Such a disciplined Leader (king) should: -

• Keep away from another's wife;
• Not covet another's property;
• Practice ahimsa (non-violence towards all living things);
• Avoid day dreaming, capriciousness, falsehood & extravagance; and
• Avoid association with harmful persons and indulging in (harmful) activities.

Kautilya says that artha (Sound Economies) is the most important; Dharma & Kama are both dependent on it. A Rajarishi shall always respect those councillors and purohitas who warn him of the dangers of transgressing the limits of good conduct, reminding him sharply (as with a goad) of the times prescribed for various duties and caution him even when he errs in private.