India and China underwent similar political experiences between the seventh and second centuries b.c., characterized by centripetal forces and the assimilation and conquest of states. This period saw the development of a literature of Realpolitik aimed at the aggrandisement of political might, with affinities between the Legalists of China and the Arthsastra author of India.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2023
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

India and China experienced similar political developments between the seventh and second centuries B.C. Centripetal forces propelled Magadha in India and the state of Chin in China to positions of undisputed power through the assimilation and conquest of states that were their equals. In both cases, the states that became paramount summed up and exemplified the forces and tendencies of the time and were outsiders to the hallowed centers of culture, thus representing the changing and radical nature of the epoch. In China, Chou feudalism finally died, and in India, major heterodox religious movements, such as Buddhism, emerged. This period of intense inter-state conflict and fluctuating political fortunes preceding unification also saw the development of a literature of Realpolitik, which aimed at the aggrandizement of political might, a concern shared by both the Legalists of China and the Arthsastra author of India. These affinities are striking and worth exploring in detail, particularly given their divergent historical futures.

India and China's Political Experiences

India and China underwent similar political experiences between the seventh and second centuries B.C. Centripetal forces propelled Magadha in India and the state of Chin in China to positions of undisputed power through the assimilation and conquest of states that were their equals. In both cases, the states that became paramount summed up and exemplified the forces and tendencies of the time and were outsiders to the hallowed centers of culture, thus representing the changing and radical nature of the epoch. In China, Chou feudalism finally died, and in India, major heterodox religious movements, such as Buddhism, emerged. This period of intense inter-state conflict and fluctuating political fortunes preceding unification also saw the development of a literature of Realpolitik, which aimed at the aggrandizement of political might, a concern shared by both the Legalists of China and the Arthsastra author of India. These affinities are striking and worth exploring in detail, particularly given their divergent historical futures.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 148 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789391928872