The Timeless Strategist: Reinterpreting Kautilya’s Arthashastra for Ethical Leadership, Governance, and Strategy in Modern Business

Abstract

This study examines Kautilya’s Arthashastra principles of ethics, leadership, governance, and strategy, compares them with Western and Eastern leadership paradigms, modern management theories, and evaluates their relevance to contemporary business contexts. Drawing on a conceptual review of primary Sanskrit texts and an interpretive engagement with secondary scholarship, the study is grounded in philosophical hermeneutics and thematic analysis. It moves beyond traditional readings of the Arthashastra, repositioning it as a dynamic, interdisciplinary text with enduring relevance for the contemporary business context. Similarly, it offers actionable insights into how ancient strategic philosophies can inform inclusive, resilient, and ethically anchored governance models in volatile business environments. Thus, it expands the epistemological landscape of management practices by offering a historically rich and culturally pluralistic alternative to dominant Western frameworks.