Communication Policy of Acharya Chanakya: A Study with Special Reference to the Concept of Lekhasampat

This research paper aims to unearth and analyze the communication principles articulated by Acharya Chanakya, a pivotal figure in ancient Indian political and strategic thought, with a special focus on his concept of Lekhasampat (the excellence of composition). This paper aims to demonstrate that Chanakya’s insights, as detailed in the Arthashastra, provide a profound, original, and comprehensive framework for effective communication, which, in some respects, surpasses contemporary Western communication theories. The study fills a significant gap in academics, as there has been no serious, in-depth work on this subject, leaving a crucial dimension of the Indian Knowledge System unexplored.

This study employs a qualitative research design centered on textual analysis of Acharya Chanakya’s Arthashastra, with its primary data drawn from Book II, Chapter 10, which provides the core exposition on Lekhasampat. The research will also draw upon scholarly commentaries and translations to ensure an accurate interpretation of the Sanskrit text.

The study reveals that Acharya Chanakya’s concept of Lekhasampat provides a sophisticated and comprehensive communication framework, offering a deeper and more holistic understanding of effective communication.

This research paper offers significant originality and value as the first dedicated academic study on Acharya Chanakya’s communication policy, specifically his concept of Lekhasampat. It bridges the gap between ancient Indian thought and modern communication theory, introducing a long-neglected part of the Indian Knowledge System into contemporary academic discourse.