War in Ancient India c11.45

c11.45

I have pointed out elsewhere¹⁷ that this is not quite the correct view and cannot stand critical examination. Comparing impartially the principles formulated by Kaṇika with those of Kauṭalya, we note that the Kauṭalīyan code is not vitiated by intrigues and cruelty in utter disregard of all morality. Kauṭalya’s political philosophy is of a high order and can fitly be compared with the theoretical principles furnished by the sage Nārada, to which we have already referred. The fundamental idea common to both is that ‘conquest is not an end in itself; victory is counter-balanced by responsibilities, and acquisitions by the necessity of having to provide for safeguarding them.’¹⁸