Call for Papers | Aanvikshiki: A Seminar on Kautilya’s Arthashastra [Submit by April 17, 2024]

ABOUT RGNUL

The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, was established by the State Legislature of Punjab by passing the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab Act 2006 (Punjab Act No. 12 of 2006). The Act incorporated a University of Law of national stature in Punjab, to fulfil the need for a Centre of Excellence in legal education in the modern era of globalization and liberalization. The University acquired approval of the Bar Council of India (BCI) in July 2006. The University also got registered with the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 and has been declared fit to obtain grants from the (UGC) under Section 12-B of the UGC Act, 1956. The University was accredited with ‘A’ Grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2015. The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, ranked RGNUL the first amongst the cleanest Higher Educational Institutions, Swachh Campus (2019) in the category of Government Residential Universities.

ABOUT DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political Science, emerging as a separate academic discipline in the second half of the 19th century, has become an integral part of the social sciences. The study of political philosophy and statecraft, however, has been prevalent for thousands of years, beginning with the first written records. It is closely related with Law, as important legal concepts and constitutional principles originate in political philosophy. The Department of Political Science is a constituent department of RGNUL playing a crucial role in fostering an understanding of domestic and international political systems, preparing students for careers in various fields, and contributing to the academic discourse on political issues. At RGNUL, Punjab, Political Science is taught by two faculty members, Ms. Aditi Dubey and Mr. Sourav Kumar. Teaching at RGNUL is carried out with a multidisciplinary approach and this further enables the students of law to understand the interface between Law and Political Science. The Department of Political Science is very active in organising various seminars, conferences and workshops, in collaboration with different centres of the university.

CONCEPT NOTE

Aanvikshiki is an national seminar on unlocking the knowledge of Kautilya ’ s Arthashastra. Arthashastra, as penned by Kautliya, is a timeless treatise on statecraft, politics and economics. Composed of 18 books, the Arthashastra delves into a vast array of governance principles. From the nature of government, law, and judicial systems to ethical considerations, economic theory, marketplace dynamics, and diplomatic tactics, it offers a comprehensive guide for effective leadership. Notably, the treatise explores warfare strategies alongside the nuances of peacebuilding, emphasising the responsibility of a king toward his subjects.

Aanvikshiki aims to provide a platform to students, scholars and researchers to raise discourse on India ’ s timeless treatise on statecraft and rejuvenate its significance among the Indian youth. This international seminar aims to further recognition of the wisdom of ancient Indic texts and their contemporary relevance.

DATES

17 APRIL: DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES

21 APRIL: DECLARATION OF SELECTED

29 APRIL: ENTRIES DATE OF THE SEMINAR (OFFLINE)

Venue: RGNUL CAMPUS PATIALA, PUNJAB

THEME*

1. Kautilya’s Economics: How did the Kautilyan economy operate

   • Kautilya ’ s Dharmic Capitalism

   • Insolvency as viewed by Kautilya

   • Chanakya ’ s view of societal responsibility in the enforcement of Contracts

2. Political Chanakya: How Kautilya organised Mauryan politics?

   • Selection of Amatya: Qualities of a minister

   • State support to poorest strata: Nature of freebie by Kautilya

   • Kautilya ’ s king-making: Ideals of Political Leadership

3. Kautilya’s foreign policy: Pivot to Statecraft

   • Kautilya ’ s elements of a state

   • Kautilya ’ s Sadhgunya and Contemporary application

   • Kautilya ’ s circle of states and relevance for Indian Foreign policy

4. Kautilya ‘s Law: Punishment and Legal systems in Arthashastra

   • Kautilya ’ s legal systems and practices

   • Kautilya ’ s bid to tackle corruption

   • Kautilya ’ s Penal code: systems of punishment

*These themes aren’t by any means exhaustive. Participants are free to choose other themes befitting the context of Kautilya’s Arthashastra.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Writeup submissions can be made in the form of an opinion piece, research paper, article, or blog.

• The prescribed word limit is 3000-5000 words.

• Send only original, unpublished works. Please do not send pieces that you have previously published or have submitted for publishing elsewhere.

• All submissions are to be sent in Word format only.

• The Board has a zero-tolerance policy towards plagiarism. Please keep your similarity percentage limited to 10%.

• There can be a maximum of two authors per submission.

• The submission must not contain any incorrect information. Double check, and provide sources for, all facts and data cited.

• All sources must be duly cited and acknowledged in the submission. The Citations must be in APA 7th Edition.

• The text of the main body of the manuscript must be in Times New Roman, Font Size 12, with 1.5 line spacing and automatic spacing between paragraphs, and it should have justified alignment.

• All the entries must be submitted to politicalscience@rgnul.ac.in along with payment receipt, and last date for submission of entries is 17th of April, 11:59 pm IST.

REGISTRATION

• The participants must submit their entries at politicalscience@rgnul.ac.in

• Entry Submission Fee: Rs 1000+GST to be paid at this link.

• A maximum of two authors are allowed for one entry.

• Each author has to pay their fee separately.

• The University can provide accommodation if requested, on a chargeable basis.

PRIZES

• The entries will be judged by subject-matter experts and selected authors will be invited to present their ideas at the Seminar.

• The Best paper shall be awarded with a Cash Prize of 11,000/- and a certificate of Merit.

• The second best paper will get the Runners up Award which will come with a cash prize of 5100/- and a certificate of Merit

• All other entries will be provided with a certificate of Participation.

CONTACT DETAILS

For any queries, feel free to reach out to us at politicalscience@rgnul.ac.in

OR

Get in contact with our student coordinators:

• Chirkankshit Bulani(+91-9548750847)

• Satyanshu Sharma (+91 72061 74441)

• Megha Gupta (+91 94629 81916)