Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s1.14

c11.s1.14

These principles of diplomacy enunciated by the Brahman minister Kaṇika are said to resemble, or rather equate with the principles formulated by Kauṭalya.¹ There is no reasoned proof in this particular. Though Kauṭalya inculcates a diplomatic code, yet his principles are not vitiated by intrigues and cruelty in disregard of all morality. Kauṭalya’s political philosophy is of a higher order, and can more fitly be compared with the theoretical principles formulated by the sage Nārada in the Mahābhārata.² The fundamental ideas common to both are that ‘conquest is not an end in itself; victory is counterbalanced by responsibilities, and acquisitions by the necessity of having to provide for safeguarding them.’