Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s1.17

c11.s1.17

The basis of diplomacy is distinguished by seven elements (*prakṛti*).³ These are the sovereign, the minister, the country, the fortress, the treasury, the army, and the ally. Of these the sovereign occupies the central position. Reference has already been made to the sphere of action, namely, the cycle of twelve states. Real action is by the six-fold policy.⁴ Peace, war, balance of power, expedition, alliance and creation of differences form the six-fold policy. Though Vātavyādi contends that war and peace are the only basis of this six-fold method, still Kauṭalya is of opinion that all the six together contribute to pursuing the six-fold policy. Kauṭalya further recommends that peace may be made with equals and superiors, while the inferior must be attacked. A treaty might be of three kinds, equitable (सम), not quite equitable (विषम), and impossible (अधि). But if an inferior is of good intentions the conquering king may help him. When peace is offered or asked for, both the contending parties should consider the motive that necessitated such a step, and decide on the basis of the circumstances. The terms of peace are acquisition of friend, gold, or territory. Kauṭalya concludes his discourse with the following reflection: ‘When local persons join hands with foreigners the former are to be won over by *sāma* and *dāna*, when foreigners incite the local chieftain, then dissension and coercion (*bheda* and *daṇḍa*) might be used. But if there is any internal danger that must first be suppressed.’¹