Public Administration in Ancient India c19.58

c19.58

The policy pursued by the weaker Kings when they were attacked by their more powerful neighbours varied with the circumstances of each case. Sometimes they sought the protection of another strong ruler; at other times, they took refuge in forts. Not unoften they had to surrender themselves to the invaders.¹ Kautilya divides invaders into three kinds, viz. virtuous conquerors, demon-like invaders, and greedy invaders, and lays down the following lines of policy to be pursued in different cases: “A virtuous conqueror is satisfied with mere submission; so a weak King should submit to him. A greedy invader, fearing his own enemies, is satisfied with what he can safely get in land or money; therefore, a weak King should satisfy such an invader with the gift of wealth. A demon-like invader not only covets the territory and wealth of the weak King, but also tries to destroy him; such an invader should be kept at a distance by the offer of land and wealth.”²