Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.12

c6.12

The long description of Viṣṇu’s treatise illustrates the Hindu conception of the scope of governmental theory and its relation to other sciences. In all, Viṣṇu composed a hundred thousand lessons, A triple aggregate treated of Virtue, Wealth and Enjoyment, and another aggregate dealt with Salvation. Then came the third triple aggregate on governance, comprising Conservation, Growth and Destruction. This was supplemented by another sixfold compendium, treating, *inter alia*, of human psychology, alliances and ‘causes.’ Envoys and ordinary agents of various classes, secret agents and spies, figured therein. The policies of conciliation, of fomenting discord among enemies, of making gifts and of inflicting chastisement were discussed. Toleration as the fifth great instrument of policy came in for its full share. All aspects of diplomacy, military strategy and tactics were touched upon. The