The Mauryan Polity c9.s2.t4.3

c9.s2.t4.3

Alliances are again definite (*paripaṇita*) and indefinite (*aparipaṇita*).⁴ The former are to be effected according to the place (*deśa*), time (*kāla*), and purpose in view (*artha*). Five kinds of agreements are mentioned. These are to win an ally (*mitra-sandhi*),¹ to acquire wealth (*hiraṇya-sandhi*),² to acquire territory (*bhūmi-sandhi*),³ to achieve some specific purpose (*karma-sandhi*),⁴ and lastly the agreement contracted with no determined aim (*anavasita-sandhi*).⁵ Kauṭalya next explains under what conditions these alliances are to be effected. First, when the king feels his inability to march against the enemy, he must ally himself with equals, inferiors, or superiors.⁶ Secondly, alliance is generally made with one who is more powerful than the enemy.⁷ Thirdly, if a powerful ally is not available the king should try to win the goodwill of his neighbours.⁸ Fourthly, a king between two strong powers must ally himself with the stronger of the two, or with both, or with a neutral.⁹