Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s1.9

c11.s1.9

We shall now examine the diplomatic theories accepted in ancient India. A glimpse into the political condition of Vedic days demonstrates the fact that, besides force, diplomacy was used to a great extent. That deceit was practised to turn back enemies is evident from the *Rig-Veda Saṃhitā*.² The institution of spies, which is so elaborately described by Kauṭalya was not unknown to the Vedic Indians.³ In the battle of the ‘ten kings’ occurring in the seventh *maṇḍala*, king Sūdas acts as the ‘master of the circle’ and this can be said to anticipate the Kauṭalīyan political world. It is Kauṭalya who urges the ruler of every state to conquer the earth by means of diplomacy.