Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the origin of economics as a separate science. Design/methodology/approach – A very comprehensive approach is presented for determining the origin of economics as a science. Three kinds of inter‐related issues are discussed: how to...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish Kautilya as a genuine contender to be a forerunner of the neoclassical price theory. Design/methodology/approach – Rational reconstruction approach is used to present Kautilya's understanding of several most basic concepts in economics....

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present Kautilya's principles of taxation during the fourth century BCE. Design/methodology/approach – Modern tools of economic analysis are used to present Kautilya's principles on income taxation. Findings – Kautilya implicitly suggests a linear...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present Kautilya's ideas on international trade. Design/methodology/approach – A non‐technical descriptive approach is followed. Findings – Kautilya implicitly proposes a theory of gains from trade and recommends imports promotion rather than...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the status of economic analysis of laws relating to property and contracts during ancient times in India. Design/methodology/approach – Modern research tools are used to present Kautilya's ideas on contracts and property. Findings –...

Purpose – Both researchers and policy makers have increasingly focused their energies in exploring the sources of economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to explore the very first ideas on the sources of economic growth of Kautilya during the fourth century BCE....

Purpose – Since the mid‐1980s focus has shifted from stabilization to economic growth as a national goal. A large number of studies have been undertaken to explain economic growth. It is intended to show that the current debate between those who claim only institutions matter to economic...