“Arthashastra” was written by_______.

Correct option is A

The answer is (a) Chanakya.
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was a scholar and philosopher who lived in ancient India. He is best known for writing the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft and military strategy. The Arthashastra is one of the most important works of political thought in Indian history, and it has been studied by scholars and practitioners of statecraft for centuries.
Vishnu Sharma is the author of the Panchatantra, a collection of fables that teaches moral lessons. Chandragupta was the founder of the Mauryan Empire, and Kalidasa was a poet and playwright who lived in the 4th or 5th century CE. 
In detail, here are the reasons why Chanakya is the most likely author of the Arthashastra:
· Chanakya was a scholar and philosopher who was well-versed in the art of statecraft. He served as the advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, and he is credited with helping to establish the Mauryan Empire.
· The Arthashastra is a treatise on statecraft and military strategy, and it reflects Chanakya's knowledge of these subjects. The text is also full of practical advice on how to rule a kingdom effectively.