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 interpret...

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 – 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 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....