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Synopsis It is a fascinating comparative study of Kautilya’s Arthasastra, a controversial work on the science of polity, composed between the fourth century B.C. and the third century A.D. The Arthasastra has already been studied from the angles of politics, economics and sociology. This interesting book deals with Kautilya’s views on morals in general and sexual morality in particular. Here is an effort to evaluate Kautilya’s concepts by comparison or contrast with orthodox and non-orthodox schools of thought in India and elsewhere. This book critically examines his attitude to the basic problems of life. The side range of topics discussed in this book includes with precise details his ideas of Kama or Desire, the relativity of morals, ethics and economics of marriage, divorce, extra-marital relationship, erotic beliefs and practices, prostitution, morals in royal courts and non-monarchical states, among spies, slaves, ascetics, outcasts and impotent persons. This book also deals with the questions of the care of the body and the pleasures of the mind. Lastly, it takes up the problems of the sanctions of morality and its enforcement. This detailed study presents some aspects of the ancient Indian life and society, which have hitherto received scant attention.