What was Kautilya's role in the Mauryan Empire?

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was a key political strategist and philosopher during the Mauryan Empire in ancient India. He served as the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the empire's founder, and played a pivotal role in his rise to power by providing political counsel and forming alliances. Kautilya is also credited with authoring the "Arthashastra," a foundational text on statecraft, economics, and military strategy, which influenced governance in the empire and beyond. His contributions significantly shaped the political landscape of ancient India.