Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s5.48

c8.s5.48

In inter-state relationships, diplomacy knew no morality. Neither unprovoked aggression, nor the violation of the neutrality of other states, caused any surprise. Spies and secret agents revelled in falsehood and immorality, and freely resorted to poison or to treachery. The justification for all this was sought in the imperative necessity of unifying the country. A strong power was expressly enjoined to embark on a career of conquest, subdue state after state, and stand forth as the one all-embracing sovereign.