Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.167.1

c6.167.1

of restless persons is fraught with danger. But it is not wise to attack too many foes at once. Conciliation, gifts, and the arts of diplomacy, or producing disunion, should be employed to grind them down one by one. Towards the rest a friendly policy may be pursued. Throughout the Mahābhārata, valour is extolled as the prime attribute of a Kṣatriya, but here it is laid down that the king should save his skin by surrender to stronger foes. A different doctrine is, indeed, enunciated in passing; a king should make peace with a righteous enemy but, even when distressed, should fight an unrighteous one to the death. But the whole tendency of the passages in this connection is towards a time-serving policy—surrender before might. When, however, the victor is heedless, one should compass his destruction. On his side the king should remember that vanquished foes are always wide awake and are never to be trusted. One should do nothing to rouse the suspicions of powerful foes. Secret diplomacy, rather than conciliation, should be resorted to when dealing with powerful enemies. Apply diverse kinds of deception, different contrivances for setting them against one another. Hypocrisy of all sorts is allowed. Corrupt their forces; produce disunion in their ranks by subterranean means. Make lavish use of gold and poison. Never inflict wounds by wordy darts and shafts; never cause an injury which would rankle in the heart of the foe. Exhaust his treasury.