Who among the following scholars is credited with writing the 'Arthashastra', a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Kautilya, also recognized as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, composed the Arthashastra as an extensive administrative guide detailing governance, economic management, and military tactics during the Mauryan era. Other classical figures like Kalidasa and Banabhatta are renowned for Sanskrit literature and court poetry rather than treatises on statecraft. Ancient Indian texts and authors are standard factual items in preliminary history questions.