The Arthashastra is traditionally attributed to Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta. Chanakya was a renowned scholar, teacher, and advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire in ancient India.

The Arthashastra covers various aspects of governance, including principles of administration, diplomacy, law, and military strategy. It is one of the key texts in classical Indian literature and political philosophy, providing insights into the functioning of states and the art of leadership.

The Arthashastra is believed to have been written in the 4th century BCE and remains an important work in the field of political science and ancient Indian literature.