अर्थ
Artha
(artha)Meaning, purpose, wealth; the second aim of human life
Full Meaning
Artha is the second of the four puruṣārthas (aims of life): dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth/purpose), kāma (desire), moksha (liberation). Artha means both "meaning" and "wealth" — in Sanskrit, there is no distinction between pursuing meaning and pursuing material wellbeing. Kauṭilya's Arthaśāstra (the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and economics) is named for this word.
Etymology
From the root arth (अर्थ्) — to request, to seek, to strive for. That which is sought or desired.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
The Arthaśāstra by Kauṭilya (c. 300 BCE) is one of the oldest works on economics and political science in the world — predating Machiavelli by 1,800 years.
अर्थस्य मूलम् — The root of all artha (wealth/purpose) is proper governance. (Arthaśāstra 1.4.3)
Related Sanskrit Words
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