Glossary Item

Ramanuja or Ramanujacharya (1017-1137 CE) was a Hindu theologian and philosopher whose explorations and doctrines greatly influenced the Bhakti Movement in the Indian subcontinent. His core philosophies revolve around devotional Hinduism, particularly towards Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. Primarily, his work signifies the importance of Bhakti towards a divine entity (Vishnu in his case) as a tool to attain spiritual liberation (Moksha).

Kalidasa is the most celebrated Indian Classical Sanskrit writer, playwright, and poet. A majority of historians and scholars believe that most of his work was created between the 4th and the 5th century CE. His poetry and plays are primarily based on ancient Indian texts and scriptures including the Vedas, the Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana. There are many theories pertaining to his ancestry, where he lived, and how he became such a talented writer.

Arthashastra is an Indian discourse on statecraft, politics, war strategies, economics, and tactics for social governance, composed by Chanakya (Kautilya), who was the prime minister of the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. The word ‘Arthashatra’ means the science of material gain.

Also known as Chanakya, Kautilya was the prime minister and the chief advisor of the Mauryan Empire during the rule of Chandragupta Maurya (the founder of the Mauryan Empire). Chanakya is known to be a tactful war strategist, economist, philosopher, and teacher.

Around 320 BCE Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire which at one time covered almost all parts of the Indian subcontinent including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Balochistan. With the help of his chief minister, Chakanya (Kautilya), Chandragupta formed a strong army. He laid down the foundation of the Mauryan Empire by overthrowing the Nandas in Magadha (Southern Bihar).