Call For Entries: RGNUL Is Organizing 'Aanvikshiki' - Seminar On Kautilya's Arthashastra

The Department of Political Science at RGNUL pitches the idea for Aanvikshiki, the Kautilyan “art of strategic thinking”. The Seminar aims to foster deliberation and discussion on the age-old wisdom of Kautilya, which he put down in his treatise titled 'Arthashastra' about 2400 years ago. Arthashastra, aspenned by Kautliya is a timeless treatise on statecraft, politics and economics. Composed of 18 books, the Arthashastra delves into a vast array of governance principles. From the nature of government, law, and judicial systems to ethical considerations, economic theory, marketplace dynamics, and diplomatic tactics,it offers a comprehensive guide for effective leadership. Notably, the treatise explores warfare strategies alongside the nuances of peacebuilding, emphasising the responsibility of a king toward his subjects.Through detailed sections on agriculture, resource management, animal husbandry, and healthcare, the text offers an insight into ancient economic and cultural practices.

Furthermore, the Arthashastra advocates for the concept of collective prosperity. It underscores the state's role in ensuring the well-being of its citizens and actively facilitating development in critical areas. This forward-thinking notion of social welfare sets the Arthashastra apart as a seminal work of political philosophy, not only within the Indian context but also on a global scale. The application of this timeless wisdom holds vital lessons not just for the Indian subcontinent, but for the entire world. The relevance of economic ideals such as Dharmic capitalism, Kautliya's enforcement of Contracts, Political ideals such as qualities of a good minister, and Foreign policy aspects such as the Saptanga theory hold lessons to contribute effectively to India's vision of becoming a world leader. Arthashastra and its expertise in matters of Statecraft and Military have been recognised worldwide and Kautilya's pragmatic and practical approach as reflected in his text has earned him the name Indian Machiavelli. However, Kautilya's expertise in matters of economics, statecraft and role of ethics and ethical conduct in governance bring much more than the cynicism of Machiavelli can probably deliberate about.

Kautilya's timeless wisdom, when given the proper platform for its propagation will allow India to reclaim its intellectuals, the area which is currently dominated by Western thinkers. The seminar will contribute to an increased awareness of India's scriptures among the youth and allow them to claim the wisdom of their ancestors. Further, this will foster a healthy respect for Indic Culture and its relevance for modern-day India.

Seminar Agenda

The Seminar would begin with a Keynote Session on the theme “Relevance of Kautilya's Arthashastra for Contemporary India's Economy, Political and International Engagements” followed by the presentation of Case-studies prepared by the researchers on suggested themes. The best case studies would then beawarded accolades.

Target Audience

Students, and Researcher Scholars from higher education institutions and research think tanks, pursuing advanced studies in domains of Political Science, International relations, International Political economy, International law, Indology and Study of Ancient texts and the like. Applicants must be engaged in research on ancient Indian Literature, Politics, or Economics.

Objectives

• The primary objective is to facilitate in-depth scholarly discussions and encourage the exchange of ideas among academics and researchers in a round-table setting.
• Encourage interdisciplinary studies by bringing together scholars from various academic fields including International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Defence Studies and Cultural Studies.
• Encourage studies into ancient Indian texts and study their contemporary relevance in light of modernising India.
• Explore academic insights and research findings that allow in-depth study of Kautilya's economic models which can become a blueprint for future policies
• Create a platform for academics to network, form research collaborations, and build lasting academic relationships for future collaborative projects
• Facilitate opportunities for young researchers to contribute to the discourse on Kautilya's Arthashastra through publishing papers in academic journals or edited volumes.
• Encourage the participation of RGNUL Students to create awareness among them about Indian culture and contribute to their knowledge about the Arthashastra.

Proposed Dates

Call for Entries – 17th of March 2024

Last date for Submission of Entries - 17th of April 2024

Announcement for shortlisted entries - 21st April 2024

Date of Seminar - 29th April, 2024 (Monday)

Suggestive Themes

• Kautilya's Economics: How did the Kautilyan economy operate
• Political Chanakya: How Kautilya organised Mauryan politics?
• Kautilya's foreign policy: Pivot to Statecraft
• Kautilya 's Law: Punishment and Legal systems in Arthashastra

*These themes aren't by any means exhaustive. Participants are free to choose other themes befitting the context of Kautilya's Arthashastra.

Registration

• The participants must submit their entries at politicalscience@rgnul.ac.in
• Entry Submission Fee: Rs 1,000+GST to be paid at this link.
• A maximum of two authors are allowed for one entry.
• Each author has to pay their fee separately.
• The University can provide accommodation if requested, on a chargeable basis.

Prizes

• The entries will be judged by subject-matter experts and selected authors will be invited to present their ideas at the Seminar.
• The Best paper shall be awarded with a Cash Prize of 11,000/- and a certificate of Merit
• The second best paper will get the Runners up Award which will come with a cash prize of 5,100/- and a certificate of Merit
• All other entries will be provided with a certificate of Participation.

Venue

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab (Bhadson-Patiala Road. Sidhuwal, Patiala, Punjab- 147006)

All queries may be directed to the email politicalscience@rgnul.ac.in or the student coordinators.

For more details about the seminar click on the brochure.