Vinyadhikarikam

This is the first Book in Kautilya's Arthashastra. The book begins by salutations to the Guru of Gods(Brahaspati) and Rakshasa's(Sukracharya) alike for being the supposed promulgators of the science of politics.

पृथिव्या लाभे पालने च

The aim of Arthashastra is to teach the ruler how to acquire and protect the kingdom.

Trai, Varta, Dandneeti and Arthashastra are the 4 sciences according to Kautilya.

First four chapters of this book covers enumeration of these sciences, duties of various individuals of the society and the ideal conduct of a respected king.

The king in making should get formal trainings in all the 4 sciences , but he should always have a constant association with elders(not only elders in age, they can be elder in knowledge, experience etc.). This is referred to as वृद्धसंयोगः.

The king should never be overpowered with senses, the ideal king is इन्द्रियजय

He should have completely given up lust, anger, greed, pride and arrogance.

A king who has shunned all vices, cultivated his intellect by associating with elders and performs all administrative duties perfectly overtime rises to be called a राजर्षि

The rest of the book covers other important topics like Appointment of Ministers, Appointment of Persons in Secret Service, Rules for the Envoy, Kings Protection etc.