War in Ancient India c11.47

c11.47

Let me now proceed to trace in general outline the diplomacy of the Kauṭalīya.¹⁹ The basis of diplomacy is distinguished by seven elements (prakṛti).²⁰ These are the svāmin (king), amātya (ministers), janapada (kingdom), durga (fortress), kośa (treasure), daṇḍa (army), and mitra (allies),²¹ and are regarded as veritable elements of sovereignty. But sovereignty, according to Machiavelli, Hobbes and Hegel, seems to involve no moral responsibility. In other words, the State acts ‘without regard to a moral standard.’²² An examination of the conditions which existed in ancient India in diplomatic practice does not warrant the conception of ‘unmoral’ or ‘irresponsible’ sovereignty.