The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c16.s2.t1.18

c16.s2.t1.18

The rationale of this preparedness is very simple indeed. It is as elemental as human blood itself. It goes without question in *Śukranîti*⁵ that "all rulers are unfriendly", nay, they are "secret enemies to those who are rising, vigorous, virtuous and powerful". "What wonder in this?" asks Śukra, and his solution is given in another query which carries its own answer: viz., "Are not the rulers all covetous of territory?" Such being the data of international psychology, Kâmandaka⁶ frankly suggests that "in order to do away with one's enemies their kith and kin should be employed" whenever possible. For, is not poison out-done by poison, diamond cut by diamond, and the elephant subdued by the elephant? "Fishes, again, swallow fishes, similarly relatives relatives." The *Râmâyana* is cited in the *Kâmandakî-nîti* for a corresponding precedent in diplomatic tactics. The fact is well known that in order to overthrow Râvana his brother Vibhîsana was exploited by Râma.