Which book is considered as the Gupta equivalent of Kautilya’s Arthasastra

Q. Which book is considered as the Gupta equivalent of Kautilya’s Arthasastra?

(a) Nitisara

(b) Amarakosa

(c) Mudrarakshasa

(d) Malavikagnimitra

Ans: (a) Nitisara

Explanation:  The book considered as the Gupta equivalent of Kautilya’s Arthashastra is (a) Nitisara.

Nitisara is a treatise on political science and statecraft that is often considered as the Gupta equivalent of Kautilya’s Arthashastra. It was written by Kamandaka, who was a minister in the Gupta Empire. Nitisara shares similarities with Arthashastra in terms of its focus on political administration, governance, diplomacy, and strategies for rulers.

While Arthashastra, attributed to Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta), belongs to the Maurya period (circa 4th century BCE), Nitisara was written during the Gupta Empire, which existed from the 4th to 6th centuries CE. Both texts provide valuable insights into the principles and practices of statecraft and administration in ancient India.