A Note on the Word Kautalya
By V. Venkatarama Sharma
Summary
The text addresses the correct spelling of the name "Kautalya," emphasizing its etymological roots and historical usage. It critiques a review in the *Journal of the Bihar and Orissa Research Society* for condemning Dr. Ganapati Sastri’s correction of the spelling from "Kautilya" to "Kautalya" in his edition of the *Arthashastra*. The author argues that "Kautalya" is the accurate spelling, derived from the patronymic "Kutala" with the suffix "yain," as supported by the *Kamandaka Nitisara* and other ancient texts. The text refutes the validity of "Kautilya," noting that "Kutala" aligns with the naming conventions of patron saints, while "Kutila" does not. It further highlights that manuscripts in Southern India consistently use "Kautalya," reinforcing its correctness. The author also dismisses concerns about the name "Kautilya" being derogatory, referencing other ancient sages with similar names. Additionally, the text briefly discusses K.P. Jayaswal’s classification of ancient Indian empires into *Adhipatya*, *Sarvabhauma*, and *Samrajya*, interpreting them as "suzerainty," "pan-country sovereignty," and "federal imperialism," respectively, based on etymology and textual evidence. The note concludes by affirming the logical and etymological validity of "Kautalya" and hoping for a fair consideration of the critique.
Conclusion
This document conclusively establishes the correct spelling of the name as *Kautalya*, derived from the patronymic *Kutala* through the suffix *yaf*, rather than the erroneous *Kautilya*. By examining etymological roots and scholarly commentaries, it demonstrates that *Kautala* aligns with the naming conventions of ancient Indian patron saints, while *Kutila* lacks such legitimacy. The analysis further validates Dr. Ganapati Sastri’s correction in his edition of the *Arthadastra*, countering prior criticisms and reinforcing the importance of accurate historical nomenclature. The findings not only resolve a longstanding scholarly dispute but also reaffirm the cultural and linguistic consistency of names like *Kautalya* within ancient Indian traditions.