The Rig Veda consists of 1,028 hymns grouped into 10 books called Maṇḍalas. Its verses express praise, philosophical inquiry, and deep yearning for prosperity, protection, and truth. Over this series, we will explore the Rig Veda hymn by hymn, beginning with the very first one.

The Rig Veda consists of 1,028 hymns grouped into 10 books called Maṇḍalas. Its verses express praise, philosophical inquiry, and deep yearning for prosperity, protection, and truth. Over this series, we will explore the Rig Veda hymn by hymn, beginning with the very first one.

Chapters 1 through 5 of Book III of Arthashastra raise the third pillar: the law. Kautilya turns from the production of wealth to the resolution of conflict. He establishes the structure of courts, the qualifications of judges, the procedures for filing suits and presenting evidence, and the detailed civil code that governs marriage, dowry, inheritance, debt, deposits, and the recovery of what is owed.