Works on Politics and Statecraft Flashcards
What is the Arthashastra?
A treatise on statecraft, administration, taxation, military strategy, and espionage from the Mauryan period.
Authored by Kautilya (Chanakya), it serves as a key text in political philosophy.
Who wrote the Rajatarangini?
Kalhana
It is a historical chronicle of Kashmir detailing kingship, administration, and polity in ancient India.
What does the Mudrarakshasa depict?
Political intrigue during Chandragupta Maurya’s rise to power.
Authored by Vishakhadatta, it is a significant play in ancient Indian literature.
What is the Nitisara about?
A text on polity and ethics that draws heavily from the Arthashastra and emphasizes governance principles.
Written by Kamandaka, it serves as a guide to ethical governance.
Which epic contains extensive discourse on politics and governance?
Mahabharata
Authored by Ved Vyasa, the Shanti Parva section specifically addresses issues of governance.
What is the Ashtadhyayi?
Foundational text on Sanskrit grammar; standardizes linguistic rules; includes morphology and syntax.
Authored by Panini, it serves as a comprehensive guide to the grammar of Sanskrit.
Who wrote the Mahabhashya and what does it cover?
Patanjali; it is a commentary on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, explaining grammar rules with examples and discussing phonetics.
The Mahabhashya is essential for understanding the application of Panini’s rules in practical contexts.
What are Pratishakhyas?
Texts on phonetics and phonology related to Vedic recitation traditions.
They provide rules and guidelines for the correct pronunciation and recitation of Vedic texts.
What is the Tolkappiyam?
Earliest Tamil grammar text; covers phonetics, morphology, and syntax; part of Sangam literature.
Authored by Tolkappiyar, it is foundational for the study of Tamil linguistics.
Who is Bhattoji Dikshita and what did he create?
Bhattoji Dikshita; he wrote the Siddhanta Kaumudi, a simplified commentary on Panini’s grammar.
The Siddhanta Kaumudi focuses on making grammar accessible to students, facilitating easier learning.
