History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c62.30.1

v4.c62.30.1

Though Arthaśāstra is in theory for keeping to the path of dharma, one cannot blink one's eyes to the fact that the Mahābhārata and the Kauṭilīya both support in several places the adoption of means entirely divorced from all rules of fair dealing and morality. In Ādiparva 140 we have a discourse by Kaṇika said to have been a *mantrin* of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and a profound student of Rājaśāstra, which is almost on the same lines as Śāntiparva chap. 140 where Bhīṣma sets out what lines of policy (*nīti*) should be followed by the ruler in adversity and how he should give up all thoughts of kindliness in such straits. He is supposed to give the substance of the dialogue between the sage Bhāradvāja and Śatruntapa, king of Sauvīra. The whole chapter is full of Machiavellian advice. A few specimens may be set out here. One should be very courteous in speech, but like a razor at heart (verse 13); one desirous of prosperity may fold one's hands, may take an oath, may use sweet words, place his head on another's feet and even shed tears, one may carry on one's shoulders one's enemy till one accomplishes one's object and when a fit opportunity arises should break him like an earthen pot on a stone (17-18); the king should raise hopes promising their fulfilment at a distant day, but should put obstacles in the fulfilment of the hopes raised in others (32);