War in Ancient India c8.7

c8.7

Bhīṣma tells Yudhiṣṭhira on the authority of the first law-giver, that victory depends on deliberation and intelligence.⁶ It is an ancient dictum that the king who is guided by sagacious councillors attains great success in his undertakings. Again, in the conversation between Indra and Bṛhaspati, the latter says that only after deliberating with his ministers on the policy to be pursued must the king decide whether to fight or to submit. It is better to consult only one minister lest the secret should be divulged, but on special occasions more may also be consulted. Unanimity on the part of the councillors is to be desired.⁷ Rāvaṇa discourses on