Is Dharmaśāstra Prevailing over Arthaśāstra?*

Abstract

The Arthaśāstra tradition is developed through three primary groups: royal priests, kings’ ministers, and educators. Its scope is extensive, as it describes the principles of governance (Daṇdaniti) found in the Mahābhārata. In contrast, the Dharmaśāstra asserts that Dharma is rooted in the Veda-s and is empirically manifested through the Varṇāśrama system. This contribution aims to demonstrate that the Arthaśāstra contains elements that overlap with the Dharmaśāstra. For example, the Dharmasthīya and Kaṇtakaśodhana sections deal with the administration of justice in a manner reminiscent of discussions found in the Dharmaśāstra. However, while the Dharmaśāstra focuses on the acquisition of Dharma which represents Adṛṣṭa-phala, the Arthaśāstra aims for the acquisition of Artha representing Dṛṣṭa-phala. Furthermore, with reference to the Yājñavalkya-smṛti, this contribution asserts that in cases of conflict between the Arthaśāstra and the Dharmaśāstra, the latter takes precedence. This is because the Dharmaśāstra reflects more advanced ideas and appears to draw its insights from earlier writings. Additionally, there are notable similarities between Dharmaśāstra and Arthaśāstra, although differences exist on several issues, such as niyoga, titles of disputes, inheritance through the mother or paternal grandmother, remarriage of widows, divorce, and gambling. आगमानांहि सर्वोषाम् आचारः श्रेष्ट उच्यते| आचारप्रभवो धर्मो धर्मोदयूवीवर्धते ।। Mahābhārata, Anuśāsanaparva, 107:147 (When compared with all knowledge, good conduct is considered to be superior; because Dharma is based on āćāra-s (conduct). When human abides by āćāradharma, her/his life is prolonged.)