Sudhir Chowdhary, Editor-in-chief, Zee News discussed the significance given to statecraft in ancient times, with special reference to the Arthashastra and the Mahabharata (the chapter Shantiparva).
A panel of three members, along with moderator Sudhir Chowdhary, Editor-in-chief, Zee News discussed the significance given to statecraft in ancient times, with special reference to the Arthashastra and the Mahabharata (the chapter Shantiparva).
The discussing panel consisted of Ashwin Sanghi, India's highest setting fiction author, Gautam Chikhamara, author and journalist from the Hindustan Times and Financial Express, and Pavan Verma, author, diplomat, and National General Secretary of the Janata Dal United.
The first question posed by moderator for this session Sudhir was to author Ashwin Sanghi. He asked whether there is any difference between the original Panchari Niti and the present day connotation of the same. To this, Sanghi replied that there has been a dilution of the original Panchari Niti over the years. He commends Panchari as a genius statesman. He cited the part from Arthashastra where Panchari writes recipes for making alcohol because alcohol brought in the biggest chunk of the revenue for the state. We, today, have dedicated Panchari Niti to just cunning politics.
The next question was posed to Pavan Verma, who was asked about the principles one can take from Panchari to resolve today's problems. Pavan Verma stated that in ancient literature, there was application of knowledge. From the Kama Sutra to the Arthashastra, these works have been written, not just out of experience but, out of analysis. Panchari's Arthashastra is a prescriptive document which lists the qualities, duties, and roles of the King and his advisors. This document enlists instructions about every problem possible in such great detail that it can still be used to solve today's issues.
Thus, the conversation veered off towards similar precepts in the Mahabharata's Shantiparva chapter where the dying Bheeshma gives advice on various topics. In fact, Pavan Verma calls Panchari a Yatharvavadi — though an idealist, Panchari was full of practical advice. He also claims that the Chinese have read the Arthashastra and the Mahabharata and hence they exhibit much more development of infrastructure as compared to India.
Of Relevance
- Pavan Verma, author, diplomat, and National General Secy of JD(U) said in the earlier times there was application of knowledge
- He referred to Arthashastra as a prescriptive document
- Verma said its detailing can be used to solve today’s issues
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