Logo

While the greatness of the Arthakistra as a study in state-craft is universally acknowledged surprisingly the Sukra-Nui ascribed to Sukracharya the legendary preceptor of the Asuras and repeatedly mentioned by other ancient law-givers, has not received the attention it deserves. In the eight chapters of this book the author provides a brilliant exposition of gukra's theories of politics and state-craft. One of the significant propositions of this study is the author's claim that gukra's views, have a touch of modernity when he expounds the caste system in terms of virtue and occupation. In the ideology of gukra, the iron law of Karma acts powerfully and is applicable to the social divisions. As a corollary of the doctrine of Karma, Sukra-Niti has added another dimension relevant to the present tension-ridden society that the strength and happiness stem from the performance of one's Dharrna (Duty). Duty-Consciousness is as much applicable to the king as to the common citizen. Accordingly, to gukra, it is not birth but virtues that make a king. This study of Sukra assumes added significance when the author identifies progressive elements in Sukra which are in tune with the modern democratic theory. gukra's observation that the wise king should abide by the well thought-out decisions of the councillors and never act arbitrarily illustrates this point. Accordingly, the opinion of many is more powerful than of the king. The author has made the study more interesting by comparing gukra with western thinkers like Plato and Machiavelli, on the one hand, and linking it up with current democratic thought, on the other. Besides, she has also dwelt upon gukra's pragmatism as also his progressive approach towards contemporary social and political problems of mankind.