Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’ is a foundational text on statecraft, economics, and political theory from the Maurya period. Its content covers a wide range of topics, including:

1. State Administration: Guidelines for effective governance, including the roles and responsibilities of rulers and officials.
2. Economics: Strategies for taxation, trade, and resource management to ensure state prosperity.
3. Military Strategy: Tactics for warfare, including the importance of espionage and alliances.
4. Diplomacy: Principles of foreign policy, emphasizing the use of diplomacy and negotiation over conflict.
5. Law and Justice: Legal frameworks to maintain order and justice within the state.

Overall, ‘Arthashastra’ provides a pragmatic approach to ruling and managing a kingdom, focusing on both practical governance and the ethical implications of power.

The Rigvedic period (circa 1500-1200 BCE) is characterized by the composition of the Rigveda, focusing on hymns dedicated to deities, rituals, and nature. Society was primarily tribal and pastoral, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and cattle-rearing.

In contrast, the Later Vedic period (circa 1200-600 BCE) saw the emergence of other Vedas (Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda) and the development of complex social structures, including the establishment of the varna system. Urbanization and trade flourished, and philosophical thought expanded with the rise of the Upanishads, which explored metaphysical concepts and the nature of the self.

In summary, while the Rigvedic period focused on religious and natural themes, the Later Vedic period emphasized social organization and philosophical inquiry.