War in Ancient India c11.t1.50

c11.t1.50

Let us now proceed to examine each of these several modes of diplomacy, with regard to their nature and application. The Matsya Purāṇa rules that one and the same policy cannot be pursued at all times and towards all persons. In fact, the Purāṇa sets forth the theory that in the world the people are either righteous or unrighteous, and therefore the application of the policy should differ from person to person. For instance, it speaks of a twofold classification of the first diplomatic mode or sāma. Sāma literally means conciliation, and according to the Purāṇa there is the division into satya sāma and asatya sāma. While the first or satya sāma was applied to righteous beings, the asatya sāma was used towards the unrighteous. The righteous king was easily reconciled when an earnest appeal was made to his ancient family traditions, and when his action in other spheres was approved. If the same policy was pursued towards the unrighteous, surely it would endanger the conqueror's position. For the wicked king would be led to think of the conqueror's weakness and indulge in more mischief. Towards him is therefore recommended asatya sāma which was seemingly a reconciliation but in reality insincere. For in the case of an unrighteous monarch no amount of appeal to family traditions or appreciation of his actions would move him even an inch from his policy.⁷⁵