Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c15.107

c15.107

Sixfold policy. The possible permutations and combinations into which the writers indulge need not detain us. The general aim of policy is thus briefly stated by Manu: “Let him overcome all of them by means of the (four) expedients, conciliation and the rest, (employed) either singly or conjointly, (or) by bravery and policy (alone).”³ But since universal conquest was not always possible, it was often necessary to conclude alliances, to sit on the fence or to observe neutrality. The possible attityaro summed up as six measures of policy (Ṣāḍguṇya)