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 –...