Description
It is a matter of great satisfaction to me that Prof. Anjan Kumar Bhattacharyya is presenting the results of his studies in the Arthasastra of Kautilya from the points of view of trade, commerce and industry. Only a year back, he published similar studies in the Mahabharata which has been well received by the world of scholars.
The Arthasastra of Kautilya is a practical compendium of state-craft based upon all the ancient contributions on the subject not forgetting the special requirements of the Morian epoch in particular, naturally, trade, commerce and industry formed an important item in this work. Since its publication during the early years of this century, its diverse aspects have engaged the attention of modern scholars and the results of their studies have been published in the form of independent books and articles.
Prof. Bhattacharyya has presented the materials found in the Arthasastra on the subject of his own interest. He has instituted a thorough comparison between the ancient theories with those of the modern epoch and has arrived at sound conclusions that concepts of Income, Expenditure, Capital and Auditing, generally known to be of Modern Western Origin, have been traced in Kantilla’s work. This is no mean achievement on the part of the young scholar who has inherited a love for ancient wisdom from his forefathers and has imbibed a modern critical outlook through his University education-a rare combination indeed. His subsequent studies and researches, no doubt, have enriched his insight and knowledge to a great extent.
May he be endowed with a long, happy and prosperous scholarly life to unfold the hidden treasures of Indian thoughts to the World at large.
Born in a family of renowned teachers, professors- pandits, mahamahopadhyayas and mohantas, Prof. Anjan Kumar Bhattacharyya was brought up in an atmosphere of ancient Indian tradition and culture. Subsequently, as he came out with flying colours from the University of Calcutta, as a Master of Commerce, he was appointed a teacher in Accountancy and Auditing in a Calcutta College of long-standing repute, namely, Heramba Chandra College (formerly, City College, South Calcutta). He has attained wonderful success as a teacher and has attracted the respects from one and all of his students. During the recent past, he has studied Sanskrit and started research work on Ancient Indian Literature, a versatile educationist as he is. His outstanding research work entitled "Modern Commercial Concepts in the Mahabharatam" has been highly praised by scholars all over the World. He has participated in a number of conferences on oriental and modern managerial studies. The lectures delivered and papers presented by him in those conferences were praised by all. Some eminent educationists consider him to be an "appropriate genius" for such inter- disciplinary research works. The present book is the outcome of his most sincere and devotional research work.