The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c16.s2.t1.29

c16.s2.t1.29

Let us now examine the other aspect of the doctrine of *maṇḍala*, that of the struggle for existence and "place in the sun" among the states. To a *vijigîṣu*, as Bhîṣma² declares, "right is that which a strong man understands to be right"; and the international *mores* of the *Mahâbhârata*³ is summed up in the dictum that "victory is the root of right", just as its creed of life for the individual appraises "death as better than lack of fame". How, then, is this quest of fame, victory or world-domination to be regulated by each state in competition with the others? Are there any rules or methods by which the competing states may guide themselves in this conflict of aspirations? These constitute in substance a natural corollary to the doctrine of *vijigîṣu*.