The Mauryan Polity c9.s3.t1.1

c9.s3.t1.1

A detailed reference to the *kūṭayuddha* or warfare by deceit by the author of the *Arthaśāstra* has made some scholars draw the conclusion that the *Arthaśāstra* attaches importance to that kind of warfare where considerations of morality are subordinated to those of expediency and practical gain.¹ But later on it is stated that even in the *Arthaśāstra*, the *kūṭayuddha* occupies only a secondary or less honourable place.² The *Arthaśāstra* being a text-book on polity considers all the aspects of that polity. In speaking on the different kinds of warfare it is natural for the author to refer to every one of them and supply such details as were then available to him. This does not mean that the *kūṭayuddha* is recommended at all times. This kind of warfare is justified only in certain cases, and under peculiar conditions. Kauṭalya advocates only fair fighting and this is seen from the way in which he discusses the different methods of capturing a fortress. He condemns incendiarism by saying that the use of fire is an offence against God inasmuch as it would cause destruction to men, grains, cattle, gold, raw materials, etc.³