Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s1.12

c11.s1.12

In the *Mahābhārata* Kaṇika, the Brahman minister of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, treats the latter with a learned discourse on diplomacy. It would not be out of place to give the substance of this discourse.¹ The king should be ever active and exhibit his power like a tortoise. He must hide his weak points but at the same time get at the weak points of his enemy. An enterprise once launched should be carried to its conclusion. Even a weak enemy must not be neglected. For a single spark will be sufficient to consume the whole forest. To achieve our ends we can pretend blindness or deafness. One must not show commiseration to an enemy even if he should surrender (*śaraṇāgata*). By means of spies in various disguises one must endeavour to win the confidence of the adversary, to ultimately throw himself over him like a wolf. The destruction of the enemy should be effected by conciliation, by gifts, by creating divisions among his ranks or subjects, and lastly by open war. Again according to Kaṇika enemies could be destroyed by deceit, gifts, poison, and incantation. Even though irritated one must appear calm and put on a smiling countenance and speak soft words so long as it is necessary; but when once the moment arrives one should strike without flinching. After striking speak words of sympathy and pretend to shed tears of sorrow. If the enemy should continue the old path then he might be exterminated. By all means whatsoever one must endeavour to raise himself from a humiliating position so that he may lead a prosperous life. He who would repose after concluding a treaty with the enemy, is a mad man, for, at any time the enemy might regain strength and rise against him. In fighting an enemy, one must have an eye on the future as well as on the past, besides noting carefully the circumstances of time and place.