Summary |
Kautilya, also known as chanakya, is India’s most illustrious political economist of all times. He regarded economic activity as the driving force behind the functioning of any political dispensation. In fact, he went to the extent of saying that revenue should take priority over army as sustaining the army was possible out of well managed revenue system.
Kautilya advocated limiting the taxation power of the state, having low rates of taxation, gradual increase in taxation and most importantly devising a tax structure that ensured compliance.
He strongly encouraged foreign trade, basing it on the premise that for a successful trade contract to be established, it had to be beneficial to all.
He emphasized state control and investment in land, water and mining.
Kautilya was a true statesman who bridged the gap between experience and vision.
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