Meaning of Chanakya | Babel Free

Definitions

A shrewd politician or, in general, a cunning person; a Machiavelli.

India

Equivalents

Examples

“But these methods of the Chāṇakyas—the Macchiavellis of India—unfortunately always carry⟳ the seeds of destruction in their bosom.”

“[T]hose who have⟳ shed⟳ their wings, who walk⟳ by thrusting a walking stick⟳ into the mud with each step are regarded as the epitome of wisdom by the Chanakyas of our society …”

“I can see⟳ why Jawaharlal Nehru once flirted with the idea of becoming a Chanakya, even as he laughed at himself for such fantasising. He had no time for [Niccolò] Machiavelli.”

“"So, are we dealing with a Chanakya here?" "Yes, but Chanakya with a difference. Whereas, the original Chanakya helped a fifteen-year-old Chandragupta fight⟳ against the injustices and inconsistencies of the world, here is one who chooses to fight⟳ with hidden weapons against an unarmed fifteen-year-old, and that too in the garb of friendship. The modern Chanakya deserves kudos for explicit bravery."”

“Existence of an enemy within is tantamount to kicking a self-goal. Chanakyas of the modern era excel in the art of intrigue, to destroy⟳ their business/political nemesis, and abet and celebrate⟳ self-goals by their opponents.”

CEFR level