Chanakya
Philosophers

Chanakya Net Worth

Chanakya was an influential philosopher, economist, and statesman from ancient India. He is best known for writing the Arthashastra, a seminal work on economics, politics, and war strategies. He was born into a Brahmin family and educated at Takshashila, an ancient centre of learning. He was a highly learned person with expertise in many fields, and went on to become a trusted ally of Emperor Chandragupta. He helped Chandragupta overthrow the powerful Nanda dynasty and consolidate his powers, and also served as the adviser to Chandragupta's son Bindusara. Chanakya is considered a pioneer in the fields of political science and economics in India due to his significant contributions to the development of these fields.
Chanakya is a member of Philosophers

Age, Biography and Wiki

Who is it? Philosopher
Birth Place India, Indian
Died On 283 BC
Other names Kauṭilya, Vishnugupta
Occupation Advisor of Chandragupta Maurya
Known for Prominent role in the foundation of the Maurya Empire
Notable work Arthashastra, Chanakya Niti

💰 Net worth

Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, is a revered figure in Indian history. Regarded as a philosopher, teacher, and strategist, his contributions to politics and governance are highly acclaimed. Born in ancient India, Chanakya's teachings on economics and politics, particularly his work 'Arthashastra', continue to be studied and admired even today. With his immense wisdom and insights, Chanakya's influence and impact are immeasurable. In 2024, his net worth is estimated to range between $100K to $1M, reflecting the valuable legacy he has left behind through his intellectual contributions.

Biography/Timeline

1905

Two books are attributed to Chanakya: Arthashastra and Chanakya Niti, also known as Chanakya Neeti-shastra. The Arthashastra was discovered in 1905 by librarian Rudrapatna Shamasastry in an uncatalogued group of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts donated by an unknown pandit to the Oriental Research Institute Mysore.

1911

Several modern adaptations of the legend of Chanakya narrate his story in a semi-fictional form, extending these legends. In Chandragupta (1911), a play by Dwijendralal Ray, the Nanda king exiles his half-brother Chandragupta, who joins the army of Alexander the Great. Later, with help from Chanakya and Katyayan (the former Prime Minister of Magadha), Chandragupta defeats Nanda, who is put to death by Chanakya.

2011

Brihatkatha-Manjari by Kshemendra and Kathasaritsagara by Somadeva are two 11th century Kashmiri Sanskrit collections of legends. Both are based on a now-lost Prakrit-language Brihatkatha-Sarit-Sagara, which itself is based on the now-lost Paishachi language Brihatkatha by Gunadhya. The Chanakya-Chandragupta legend in these collections actually focuses on another character named Shakatala (IAST: Śakaṭāla).

2012

The Chandragupta-Chanakya legend is mentioned in several commentaries of the Shvetambara canon. The most well-known version of the Jain legend is contained in the Sthaviravali-Charita or Parishishta-Parvan, written by the 12th century Writer Hemachandra. Hemachandra's account is based on the Prakrit kathanaka literature (legends and anecdotes) composed between the late 1st century CE and mid-8th century CE. These legends are contained in the commentaries (churnis and tikas) on canonical texts such as Uttaradhyayana and Avashyaka Niryukti. Thomas Trautmann believes that the Jain version is older and more consistent than the Buddhist version of the legend.

2013

According to another Jain text – the Rajavali-KathaChanakya accompanied Chandragupta to forest for retirement, once Bindusara became the king.

2016

The earliest Buddhist legends do not mention Chanakya in their description of the Mauryan dynasty after this point. Dhammapala's commentary on Theragatha, however, mentions a legend about Chanakya and a Brahmin named Subandhu. According to this account, Chanakya was afraid that the wise Subandhu would surpass him at Chandragupta's court. So, he got Chandragupta to imprison Subandhu, whose son Tekicchakani escaped and became a Buddhist monk. The 16th century Tibetan Buddhist author Taranatha mentions Chanakya as one of Bindusara's "great lords". According to him, Chanakya destroyed the nobles and kings of 16 towns and made Bindusara the master of all the territory between the eastern and the western seas (Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal).

Some Chanakya images

About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.