Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s5.47

c8.s5.47

But as some members of Circles X and Y themselves adjoined one another, and were therefore likely foes, the general rule of political alliance and hostility was disturbed. On a balance of consideration, it appeared that some would be foes, some allies, others neutral, and yet others completely indifferent to A. If you imagine a third circle Z, a more delicate balance will have to be struck; and so forth. This doctrine of Mandala or circle of states has something in it as a rough indication of the course which diplomacy is likely to follow. It was patent that a state would come into conflict only with its neighbours. Non-adjacents would find it difficult to move their forces through foreign territory. But the ingenuity of scholars ran the doctrine to death. In their hands it was subjected to mathematical and mechanical treatment. It gave rise to jig-saw puzzles which strayed from reality as they advanced in ingenuity.