International Conference on Bhāratīya Arthaśāstra Tradition
Theories, Practices, and Contemporary Relevance
October 29th to 31st, 2026
About
The Bhāratīya Arthaśāstra Tradition (BAT) encapsulates the profound insights derived from Bhāratīya classical texts, notably articulated by Kautilya in his treatise. At its core, Arthaśāstra explores the acquisition (lābha) and sustenance (pālana) of artha (wealth and resources, particularly land)—a concept central to governance, economy, and statecraft. Extending beyond its historical roots, BAT remains relevant in contemporary social sciences, influencing fields such as Law, Sociology, Public Policy, and International Relations.
This tradition is not limited to literary sources like śāstra texts and case studies but also integrates non-literary aspects, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding management, governance, and business studies. Through a rich tapestry of ancient wisdom, BAT provides indigenous perspectives that continue to inform modern societal and administrative structures.
Although Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra is the most well-known text in this tradition, its origins predate him. BAT encompasses a wide array of śāstric texts, including Cāṇakya Sūtras, Nītiśāstra, and Dharmaśāstra texts, as well as relevant sections from the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata. These texts, rich in strategic wisdom, provide insights comparable to modern social sciences, reinforcing the tradition’s interdisciplinary significance.
Thus, the term Bhāratīya Arthaśāstra Tradition (BAT) serves as a comprehensive descriptor for all śāstric traditions related to ‘Artha’, offering a holistic understanding of economic and political thought within the Bhāratīya intellectual tradition.
This conference seeks to explore the evolution of Arthaśāstra across different periods, analyze its practical applications in contemporary governance and economic frameworks, and promote an interdisciplinary engagement with its principles. By bringing together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this event will serve as a platform to critically examine the enduring legacy of BAT and its relevance in today’s rapidly evolving political and economic landscape.
Themes
Foundations of Bharatiya Arthaśāstric Thought
- Unexplored classical literature on Bhāratīya Arthaśāstric tradition
- Influence of Arthaśāstra on later political thought
- Comparative analysis with other political thoughts
Economic Theories and Practices
- Trade, commerce, and taxation in ancient India
- Resource management and sustainability principles
- Economic justice and wealth distribution
Governance and Public Administration
- Exploring Public administrative principles through various travelogues
- Case studies on effective governance
- Diplomacy, war, and peace strategies
Relevance in Contemporary Policymaking
- Lessons for modern economic policies
- Arthashastra’s relevance in geopolitics and international diplomacy
- Sustainable development and governance models
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
- Intersection of Arthaśāstra with law, philosophy, sociology and political science
- Application of Arthaśāstric principles in Business management
- Digital economy and Arthaśāstric insights
Important Dates
Call for papers and important deadlines:
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 20th February 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 20th March 2026
- Full Paper Submission: 20th June 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 30th June 2026
- Conference Dates: 29th to 31st October 2026
Special Talks and Panel Discussions
Resource Persons
- Prof. Ganti S Murthi (IKS, MoE, Govt. of India)
- Sri Gauranga Das Prabhu ji (ISKON Organisation)
- Prof M S Chaitra (FSIC, Bengaluru)
- Prof. Jose P Verghese (Author- Kautilya Arthashastra Sr Adv. SC of India)
- Prof. Koenrad Elst (Independent Scholar, Author)
- Sri. Ashish Kumar Gupta (Founder, Jivika Ashram, Jabalpur)
- Dr R Balasubramaniyam (Niti Ayog)
- Dr Vinayak Rajat Bhat (Arthashastra Scholar and Author)
- Dr Vishwanathan (Vyoma Linguistic Labs)
- Dr Sameer Pande (Chief Reviewer, Journal of Sanatana Dharma)
- Sri Shivakumar (Indica Kautilya Centre for Public Policy)
- Vid. Srinivas Jammalamadaka (Brihat)
- Dr. Bharat Dash (Sri Sri University)
- Dr. Srinidhi Pyati (Purnaprajna Research Institute, Bengaluru)
- Sri Sandeep Balakrishna (Author)
- Dr J K Bajaj (CPS Chennai)
- Dr Kajari Kamal (TDU, Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru)
- Prof. (Dr.) Sriparna Pathak (Jindal School of International Affair, Sonipat Haryana)
- Dr. Nanda Kishor M S (Pondichery University)
- Sri. Raghava Krishna (Brihat)
- Prof. B. Mahadevan (IIM Bengaluru)
Many more to come…!
Special Talks and Panel Discussions
Eminent Speakers and Panellists
Dr R Balasubramaniyam
Member, NITI Aayog;
Chairperson, SEBI Social Stock Exchange Advisory Committee
Prof. Ganti S Murthi
(IKS, MoE, Govt. of India)
His Holiness Gauranga Das Prabhu
Commissioner, ISKCON;
Director, Govardhan Ecovillage;
UNEP Faith for Earth Counsellor;
Administrative Director, Bhaktivedanta Research Centre
Prof M S Chaitra
(FSIC, Bengaluru)
Prof. Jose P Verghese
(Author- Kautilya Arthashastra Sr Adv. SC of India)
Prof. Koenrad Elst
(Independent Scholar, Author)
Sri. Ashish Kumar Gupta
(Founder, Jivika Ashram, Jabalpur)
Dr Vinayak Rajat Bhat
(Arthashastra Scholar and Author)
Dr Vishwanathan
(Vyoma Linguistic Labs)
Dr Sameer Pande
(Chief Reviewer, Journal of Sanatana Dharma)
Sri Shivakumar
(Indica Kautilya Centre for Public Policy)
Vid. Srinivas Jammalamadaka
(Brihat)
Dr. Bharat Dash
(Sri Sri University)
Dr. Srinidhi Pyati
(Purnaprajna Research Institute, Bengaluru)
Sri Sandeep Balakrishna
(Author)
Dr J K Bajaj
(CPS Chennai)
Dr Kajari Kamal
(TDU, Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru)
Prof. (Dr.) Sriparna Pathak
(Jindal School of International Affair, Sonipat Haryana)
Dr. Nanda Kishor M S
(Pondichery University)
Sri. Raghava Krishna
(Brihat)
Prof. B. Mahadevan
(IIM Bengaluru)
Many more to come…!
Venue
Chanakya University Global Campus
NH – 648, Haraluru – Polanahalli,
Near Kempegowda International Airport,
Devanahalli,
Bengaluru – 562165
Contact
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding BAT 2026. Feel free to contact us at:
iks-centre@chanakyauniversity.edu.in
Organiser :
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Our Collaborators
Supported by
Knowledge Partners
Publication Partner
