Book Published on IKS

The Department of Economics, Assam Don Bosco University is happy to announce that Dr. Abdur Rashid Ahmed as being one the editors has published an edited book on ‘Indian Knowledge System on Economics, Politics and Social Welcome according to Kautilya’s Arthasastra’. The other two editors of the book are Prof. Dinesh Baishya, Director, Centre for Indian and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CIIKS), Assam Don Bosco University, and Dr. Bikramjit Goswami, IQAC Director, Assam Don Bosco University.

This volume critically discusses the relevance of Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra in the modern times with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of governance, economy, diplomacy, law, education, environmental care, social welfare and public administration. It explores Kautilya’s concepts of foreign policy, statecraft, peace and conflict and its significance in today’s international politics.

The volume also discusses economic topics like trade and commerce, wages, auditing, agriculture, forestry, and social welfare including a special focus on Assam and the North-East India. It covers comparison with the administrative principles in Kautilya with the present urbanization, smart cities, administration of temples, education policy and present time governance.

Social and ethical issues are addressed in the discourses around women’s rights, prostitution, crime prevention, criminal justice, ecological governance, and positive parenting. The volume also fosters critical consideration of the Arthaśāstra through examination of its inscriptions, exegesis and topics not covered by the text. In sum, the volume showcases the continuing intellectual relevance of Kautilyan thought and critically links ancient Indian knowledge traditions to the current economic, political, social, environmental and policy issues, especially in the context of the North-East India.

The book will be release on a ‘Book Release’ program to be held in the ADBU, Tapesia Campus shortly.