War in Ancient India c11.35

c11.35

Being further asked by Dhṛtarāṣṭra to give him in detail the arts of conciliation, Kaṇika proceeds to narrate them. Its substance is as follows: The king should destroy by incantations, by gifts of wealth, by poison or by deception the enemy even if he be his own son, friend, father, or preceptor. In so doing, he should utter soft words, and after hitting should pity the victim and even shed tears over him. Securing confidence by conciliation and gift of wealth, or by any means, the enemy must be destroyed so effectually that he may not raise his head afterwards. Spies should act as diplomatic agents. Just like a fisherman catching and killing a fish, the king should tear the vitals of the enemy under a pretext. In getting rid of the enemy the king should be razor-like, sharp, and shining when opportunity occurs.