Chanakya was an Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal adviser. He is traditionally identified as Kautilya or Vishnu Gupta, who authored the ancient Indian political treatise, the Arthashastra. He is considered the pioneer of the field of political science and economics in India, and his work is thought of as an important precursor to classical economics.

Originally a teacher at the ancient university of Takshashila, Chanakya assisted the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in his rise to power.

He is widely credited for having played an important role in the establishment of the Maurya Empire. Chanakya served as the chief adviser to both emperors Chandragupta and his son Bindusara.