Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 153

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch, III
The doctrines of state-craft in the matter of internal and external affairs as laid down and advocated by all political thinkers of ancient India were the following four instruments, viz. conciliation (Sama), gift (dāna or dāma in Jaina text), division (theda) and war (danda).
"Sāmādīnāmupāyānāṁ caturņāmapi paņditāh!" “Sāma bhedah pradānam ca tato daņdaśca pārthivaḥ."
The Arthaśāstra" added deceitfulness and secret punish. ment to the list of these four means of statecraft to achieve the objectives for the material welfare of the state and the people at large.
Both Manus and Kautilya® have formulated the following six-fold government policy for determining the inter-state relations, viz. peace (sandhi), war (vigraha), observance of neutrality (asana), marching (yāna), alliance (samśraya) double policy (i. c. double dealing by making peace with one and waging war with another (dvaidhibhāva). "Sandbim ca vigraham caiva yāna māsanameva cal Dvaid hībhāvam samśrayam ca şadguṇāmścintayet sadā'' ||
(M. VII 160)
It was probably a natural consequence of the political conditions of those days that such conventions and rules were followed by the individual king for maintaining the inter-state relations and that between the paramount ruler and his vassals.
Here an attempt will be made to examine how far the above principles of foreign policy were followed by different states mentioned in the BhS for determining the inter-state relations in times of war and peace.
1 Nayadhammakahao, 8, p. 97 ff. ? Manu-Smrti, VII, 109. 8 Mahābhārata, Sānti Parva, 35, p. 100. See also Artha fästra,
30 (pp. 29-30 for the mission of ambassador). 4 Arthaśāstra, 238 (Book IV). 6 Manu-Smiti, VII, 160. 6 Arthasāstra, 263. (Book VII). ? Manu-Smrti, VII, 160.