The Mauryan Polity c9.s2.1

c9.s2.1

Kautalya divides the foreign rulers under four classes—*ari* (the enemy), *mitra* (ally), *madhyama* (intermediary), and *udāsīna* (neutral).² The inter-state relations are determined by the respective situations which each state possesses in the circle of states. While the second, the fourth and the sixth states are inimical, the third and the fifth states are allies.³ Kautalya distinguishes three kinds of international relations: *vigraha* (war), *sandhi* (peace), and *āsana* (neutrality).⁴ According to Vātavyādhi there are only two divisions, war and peace. But this division is questioned rightly by the *Kauṭalīya*. According to this there is a six-fold policy of action.⁵ The remaining three attitudes are *samśraya* (policy of alliance), *yāna* (preparation of march), and *dvaidhībhāva*.