His birth name was Vishnugupta, and being the son of an Acharya named Chanak, he was named Chanakya. Some people believe that due to his having a very sharp intellect, he is called "Chanakya". He was given the name Kautilya because he was a corrupt political scholar. But it may have been the name of his gotra, but according to the opinion of many scholars, he was named Kautilya due to being the creator of the devious policy.
History is silent about the place of birth of Chanakya, but he was educated at Takshashila University. He was self-respecting by nature, devoid of character and subject defects, rigorous in nature, sharp in intellect, firm in intentions, and rich in talent. Under the patronage of the Acharya of Taxila, Chanakya, a resident of Pataliputra from birth, had full development of intellectual power. With the influence of his mature knowledge, Chanakya became a professor of politics by pleasing the scholars there. Seeing the mismanagement of the country, his heart was moved. For this, he resolved to tie the country together by making elaborate programs, and he found success in doing so.
Chanakya's residence was a hut outside the city, seeing which Chinese historical traveler Fa-Hien said, "The prime minister of such a vast country lives in such a hut!" The residents and the general public of the country there live in grand buildings, and its prime minister lives in a hut."
In Chanakya's hut, a stone used to break the cow dung cakes was lying on one side, and on the other side, a pile of grass was brought by the disciples. Samidhas were put on the roof to dry, under the weight of which the roof was bent down. Such a dilapidated hut was the residence of Chanakya. The present book is his working style and biography dedicated to Chanakya.
