The English Translation of the Kautiliya
By Narendra Nath Law
Summary
In this critique, Law reviews an English translation of the Arthashastra by a contemporary scholar. He evaluates the translator’s choices in rendering technical terms relating to administration, economics, and espionage. Law points out mistranslations and omissions that alter the meaning of crucial passages, particularly those dealing with taxation, punishment, and state monopolies. He argues that the translator misunderstood the structure of the text, rearranging chapters and ignoring commentarial traditions. Law stresses that the Arthashastra’s brevity and technical language demand a high level of philological accuracy and familiarity with Dharmaśāstra. He provides alternative translations for problematic passages and urges scholars to consult the Sanskrit original rather than relying on the flawed English rendition.
Conclusion
Law concludes that translations of technical texts like the Arthashastra must be approached with caution. He calls for a collaborative critical edition and translation that reflects both the text’s linguistic nuances and its historical context, cautioning readers against over‑reliance on inadequate translations.