Growing With Chanakya: Analysing Kautilya Arthashastra’s Saptanga Siddhanta to manage Start-up and Business

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjiks.2025.v2.n2.002

Keywords:

Kautilya Arthashastra, Saptanga Theory, Business Management, Indian Startups, Startup Strategies, IKS

Abstract

Here is the investigation of Saptanga Siddhanta (theory), proposed by Kautilya in Kautilya’s Arthashastra. This study throws the flash light on applicability of the Saptanga Theory for business and start-up management through Indigenous way of strategic compilation and governance. Kautilya's Saptanga Theory which is built on seven necessary pillars for effective governance such as Swami, Amatya, Janapada, Durga, Kosha, Danda, and Mitra establishing parallels between ancient principles of governance and modern business and Start-up management. this research illustrates how startups can apply Saptanga Theory to overcome challenges like leadership inefficiencies, financial mismanagement, and market competition, etc. examined through critical analyses and conceptual comparison of successful startups case studies. By adopting Hermeneutic method of research, this article elaborates precious Indian scripture i.e. Kautilya’s Arthashastra, in perspective of modern business and start-ups.

Author Biography

  • Dr. Varad Rajan Bhaange, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, Vivekanand College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

    Dr. Varad Rajan Bhanage is an accomplished academician, researcher, and consultant with a diverse and multidisciplinary background. He holds degrees in BCA, MBA (HR & IT), PGDBM, PGDBA, and a Diploma in Tourism, along with Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship. His research interests span Management, Environment, and Indic Studies, and he is associated with several reputed educational institutions and universities across India. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Varad is a business consultant who brings strategic insights to organizational development and entrepreneurship initiatives. He is also deeply rooted in the cultural and artistic traditions of India, having received formal training in Indian classical music (Sitar and Dilruba) as well as in Dramatics. This rare blend of scholarship, consulting expertise, and cultural engagement defines his holistic approach to education and research.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Bhaange, V. R. (2025). Growing With Chanakya: Analysing Kautilya Arthashastra’s Saptanga Siddhanta to manage Start-up and Business. Research Review Journal of Indian Knowledge Systems, 2(2), 04-13. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjiks.2025.v2.n2.002