A Study on the Relevance of Koutilya’s Economic Ideas in The Modern World

Abstract

Arthashstra, a great epic of political economy written in the 4th century is a fantabulous work even today the relevance of that book cannot be ignored. He must be given a prominent place among well known economists. Unlike Adam smith and other western economists Koutilya did not become famous and called as economist of modern world. Though his thoughts and ideologies are equally important with the ideologies of western economists and today many universities in India have also forgotten to include his book in the curriculum.

The present study has used the following methodology

• Type of research : both descriptive and analytical
• Sample size : 70
• Study area : Mysore
• Data : This study is based on both primary and secondary data.

For analysis purpose primary data has been used.
Both interview and questionnaire methods have been used.

• Sampling technique : Convenient sampling method
• analytical tools : Five point Likert method, frequency method, Tables and graphs

This paper has made an attempt to understand the relevance of the neglected economist of ancient India i.e. Kautilya of the fourth century B.C and it has also made a primary investigation by collecting information from the respondents from different areas of Mysore and Bengaluru cities of Karnataka about the familiarity of Koutilya and his economic ideas. This will surely pave the way for conducting empirical research in future.