Economics of Kautiliya Shukra and Brihaspati.pmd

Content of Brihaspati-sutra
The present collection of Brihaspati-sutra is a small collection
having 445 sutras only. The first chapter having 112 sutras deals with
the personal conduct of the ruler. The 75 sutras of the second chapter
deal with duties, principles and descriptions. The 148 sutras of third
chapter deal with knowledge and descriptions of different cults, and
various countries in Aryavarta. The 51 sutras of fourth chapter deal
with omens and counsels, and chapter five deals with different methods
for a ruler or upayas to the rulers. The last chapter-chapter six is
miscellaneous in character. Chapter division and number of sutras is
given in table 1.1.
Table 1.1. Chapter Divisions in Brihaspati-sutra
Chapter Description Numbers
One Personal conduct 112
Two Duties and principles 75
Three Vidya- Knowledge 148
Four Omens and counsels 50
Five Upaya 30
Six Naya 30
Total 445
Source: Brihasapti-sutra, 1929
Shukra-niti
It is very hard to explain the historical facts and facet of
Shukra. The only fact is Shukra-niti. It is a full scale comprehensive
book on Political Economy. The description of Mahabharata and other
books provide information about Shukra. He is known as the teacher
of Anti-Gods. His other names are- Bhargava, Usana, and Asur-Guru.
According to the legend of Mahabharata the name Shukra and his
highest place was given to him by Lord Shiva.
The date of Shukra-niti is estimated to be 400-500 BC but its
present form was fixed in 1700 AC. According to Mahabharata the
numbers of slokas in Shukra-niti is 1000 but the author of Shukra-niti
states himself that the total number of slokas are 2200. It is to note
that present collections of Shukra-niti have more than 2500 slokas.
Oppert’s collection is regarded as the most perfect than others. Nepalese
translation of Shukra-niti is based on Oppert’s collection.
Content of Shukra-niti
1. The first chapter contains the theory of state, duties and
liabilities of a king, sovereignty, unity, indivisibility of state,
seven organs of a state, gazette, decision making techniques
town planning etc.
2. Subordinate organs of state cabinet of ministers, laws of
administrations qualification of ministers, chief of army, tax
collector, and treasurer.
3. Civil laws, economic and social activity, and the best
professions for social life.
4. Fourth chapter has seven units. First unit contains the
description of friends of state, Second unit contains method
to increase the government fund, its accounting. Third unit
contains education system. Fourth and fifth contains social
and legal system, and sixth unit contains security system whereas
seventh units contains attack and treaty with other states.
5. Fifth chapter contains the remaining policies of the state.
In comparison to classical economists Smith and Ricardo,
Shukra used the term Political Economy in his definition. From the
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