Arthashastra, the classical work of Indian political thought, focuses primarily on

The Arthashastra, authored by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), is the preeminent ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and governance [1]. While the title literally translates to the 'science of wealth' or 'economics', the text's primary focus is the comprehensive management of a kingdom, including its administrative structure, political strategy, and diplomacy [2]. It details how a state should be structured, the duties of a ruler, and the conduct of war. Kautilya, an expert in statecraft, provided a practical handbook for establishing and consolidating a centralized empire, covering fifteen books that discuss internal administration, foreign relations, and jurisprudence. Although it encompasses economic policy and military strategy, these elements are integrated into the broader framework of maintaining a stable and prosperous state, making 'statecraft' the most accurate description of its primary focus [1].

Sources

1. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 170
2. [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires > Kauṭilya's concept of a kingdom > p. 101