કૌટિલીય અર્થશાસ્ત્ર : દાર્શનિક-સાંસ્કૃતિક પરીક્ષણ (ઈન્દ્રિયજય આધારિત રાષ્ટ્રજીવન) લેખક : નીતીન દેસાઈ (૨૦૧૦)

Summary

This Gujarati review evaluates Nitin Desai’s book ‘Kauṭilyīya Arthaśāstra: Darśanik–Sāṃskṛtik Pariśīlan (Indriyajaya Ādhārit Rāṣṭrajīvan)’ which examines Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra from philosophical and cultural perspectives. The reviewer summarises Desai’s argument that the foundation of sound statecraft lies in a ruler’s conquest of his own senses (indriyajaya). Drawing on Kauṭilya’s original text and commentaries, the book analyses how self‑discipline enables ethical governance, economic prosperity and social stability. The review notes Desai’s discussion of topics such as justice, diplomacy, taxation and military strategy, highlighting his effort to relate ancient principles to contemporary issues. The author praises the book for combining textual analysis with reflections on the cultural milieu of Kauṭilya’s time. Criticisms include occasional repetition and lack of engagement with alternative interpretations, but overall the book is considered a valuable contribution to the study of Indian political thought.