The economic affairs like other affairs had undergone a
process of evolution which resulted inestimable economic
developments and contributions as reflected in the Arthaśāstra of
Kautilya one of the great economic thinkers of his times. The Mauryan
state itself took part in a number of economic activities keeping a close watch
and control in sectors like, trade, treasury, commerce, agriculture, industries
and labour problems etc. The role played by Kautilya in the process of its
evolution had been very decisive. Nevertheless, Early Indian Economic
thought is a field still practically untilled, and economic thought in any age
only reflects its time and life, it moves with the variation of economic
condition. The economic interpretation of our past economy is one of the first
fruits of the study of early Indian economic thought that study enabled us to
visualized not only the life of our ancestors but it also helped us to
recognized and interpret even the purpose of their every day economic
activities and affairs. Our knowledge of early economic thought acknowledged
the contribution and role of great thinker like Kautilya and obtained for him
his due position among the economists of the ancient world.
