-A dialogue on Kautilya's Wisdom on Agriculture-
Grandfather: Son, what do you really know about agriculture? Tell me.
Son: Easy-peasy. Agriculture is growing crops and raising animals. It is very important because it provides food for us to survive.
Grandfather: Hmm, you are correct son. Agriculture is the backbone of our ancient economy.
Son: Grandfather, is it true that Arthasastra talks about agriculture?
Grandfather: Yes, it is true son. Arthasastra which was written by Chanakya, the prime minister of Maurya reign, delivers valuable insights on agriculture too.
Son: Is Arthasastra really a valuable book?
Grandfather: Oh! Yes son, it’s a treasure house of valuable information on many aspects and it’s very important in understanding the significance of agriculture in ancient India.
Son: Interesting! What did Chanakya write about agriculture in this book?
Grandfather: He wrote about the economic significance of agriculture and advocated many policies that support and promote the growth of agriculture.
Son: Grandfather, I’m really curious about what sort of policies he advocated to support agriculture.
Grandfather: In Arthasastra, he elaborates on policies for Land management, Irrigation, Crop selection and agricultural financing and many extensive topics.
Son: Grandfather, I have heard about a new irrigation system installed during Chanakya's period.
Grandfather: Of course son. The system was expensive and upfront but it will pay for itself in the long run.
Son: And they tried to do crop rotation to ensure soil fertility, is it?
Grandfather: Exactly. They tried rotating between legumes, cereals, and oilseeds. As it helps to keep the soil healthy and produce a variety of crops with better harvest.
Son: I think the farmers of Chanakya’s period were very progressive. They were also very knowledgeable about agriculture.
Grandfather: Oh, yes dear, his strategic policies helped to make agriculture the backbone of the ancient Indian economy.
Son: Wow, Chanakya was indeed a valuable person of ancient India.
Grandfather: Yes he was. Chanakya’s Arthasastra is a well-known all-time valuable piece of history, it is still relevant and practical for today’s world.
Son: Thank you grandfather for explaining me about importance of agriculture in ancient India by using Chanakya’s Arthasastra. Now I have a better understanding about our ancient era.
Grandfather: You’re welcome son. It’s always good to know our history and its valuable teachings.
By: Kaveesha Sathsarani & Punya Lakmali
Sources: Dr.Anil .M. Ramteke. “Economic strategy of Chanakya: in significance of Modern Era.” IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance (IOSR-JEF), 13(4), 2022, pp. 31-35. https://youtu.be/AHnXZq6JwkM?feature=shared
Image Credit:
https://www.tota.world/image/962
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