What did Kautilya consider the fundamental nature of corruption to be?

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Kautilya Viewed Corruption as an Inherent Human Trait

Kautilya, an advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, posited that corruption is fundamentally a human condition. He observed that human beings are inherently fickle, meaning that virtues such as integrity and honesty are not constant. Despite this perspective, Kautilya did not use this understanding to excuse corruption; instead, he proposed extensive and stringent measures to eradicate it from governmental operations.
Kautilya's Perspective on Human Nature

The ancient Indian statesman Kautilya, who served as an advisor to Chandragupta Maurya around the 4th century BCE, articulated his views on corruption in his seminal work, Arthasastra. He specifically identified corruption as a manifestation of human nature itself, noting the inconsistency and unreliability of human character. This observation implies a belief that the potential for corrupt behaviour is a pervasive aspect of human existence.
The Inconsistency of Virtues

Central to Kautilya's analysis was the idea that core virtues like integrity and honesty are not immutable qualities within individuals. He recognised that human beings are prone to change and that these moral attributes could easily erode or falter over time. This understanding of human fickleness informed his approach to governance and the necessity of robust anti-corruption mechanisms.
Proposed Measures Against Corruption

While acknowledging the inherent human tendency towards corruption, Kautilya was not passive in his approach. He advocated for the implementation of elaborate and extreme measures designed to purge corruption from the government. These proposals, detailed in his writings, specifically targeted officials responsible for critical functions such as tax collection and the enforcement of regulations, underscoring his commitment to maintaining governmental probity.

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What did Kautilya consider the fundamental nature of corruption to be?

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