Jonah Patel
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was an Indian statesman and philosopher who served as the chief advisor and prime minister to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya of the Magadha empire, the first ruler of the Mauryan Empire. He is widely regarded as a master strategist and original thinker in the fields of social, political, military, and economic thought. His teachings, known as Arthashastra, offer a comprehensive guide to statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, with a focus on realism and pragmatism. Among his many contributions, the concept of Shadgunyas, or the six war tactics, stands out as a critical framework for rulers to navigate complex political landscapes and international relations. These six tactics are sandhi (peace), vigraha (war), asana (neutrality), yana (coercion), samshraya (alliance), and dvaidhibhava (duplicity).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Six methods of foreign policy | Conciliation, gift-giving, sowing division, and the use of force |
| Four strategies for dealing with other rulers | Conciliation, gifts, dissension, force |
| Six war tactics | Sandhi (peace), vigraha (war), asana (neutrality), yana (coercion), samshraya (alliance), and dvaidhibhava (duplicity) |
| Mandala Theory | Framework to analyze interstate relations and formulate foreign policy |
| Shadgunya | Six-fold policy |
| Four upayas | Conciliation, gifts, dissension, force |
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Sandhi (peace)
Sandhi, the first of Kautilya's six war tactics, emphasizes the importance of peace. It is a calculated move to build alliances, gather resources, and prepare for future threats. According to Kautilya, a state should seek peace when it finds itself weak or when it needs time to strengthen its defences. This does not mean that a state should completely avoid conflict, but rather use this time to strategically prepare for future battles.
Kautilya advises that a king should make peace with an equal or superior king, while attacking an inferior king. He also suggests that peace should be made when the advantages of peace and war are equal, or when remaining neutral and going to war have equal advantages. In addition, a king should make peace if he foresees that the calamities he will face will be greater than those suffered by the enemy, and that the enemy could easily overcome them and attack. An inferior king should submit to a righteous conqueror, pay monetary submission to a greedy conqueror, but take counter-steps for survival against a demonical conqueror.
Kautilya's Arthashastra, which translates to "The Science of Material Gain", is a comprehensive guide on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It is a masterpiece of statecraft, diplomacy, and strategy, and is an example of non-Western literature that should be read as part of the "realist" canon. It is a handbook for running an empire, and its teachings continue to influence contemporary India and beyond.
Kautilya's concept of Sandhi can be observed in modern times through the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan in 1998, which maintained the 'Balance of Power' in the South Asian Region. This concept also applies to the USA-Russia relationship when it comes to armed conflicts.
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Vigraha (war)
Vigraha, or war, is one of the six tactics of diplomacy proposed by Kautilya, the Indian statesman and philosopher, in his treatise, the Arthashastra. The Arthashastra, written in Sanskrit, is a comprehensive guide to statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, intended to instruct a king on how to govern.
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was the chief advisor to the Indian Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who first united the Indian subcontinent. He is considered a master strategist and original thinker, whose ideas were novel and pragmatic. His approach to diplomacy and war was underpinned by his belief that states are always in competition with one another, and that power is the means to achieve stability and peace.
Vigraha, as one of the six tactics, represents the use of war as a calculated decision to achieve specific objectives. Kautilya advised that war should only be chosen when a state is confident in its military strength and can gain significant advantages. This involves assessing one's capabilities and the weaknesses of the enemy. War is therefore a high-stakes tactic that should not be entered into lightly.
Kautilya also proposed two schools of war: Ethical Warfare (Dharmayudha) and Devious Warfare (Kutayudha). Dharmayudha, or 'righteousness' in Sanskrit, is justified and ethical warfare used to deliver justice on behalf of the king. Kutayudha, or 'devious' warfare, involves various tactics such as the use of secret agents, assassinations, and the spread of disinformation to weaken an enemy.
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Asana (neutrality)
Asana, or neutrality, is the third strategy in Kautilya's six war tactics. Asana means "stay" in Sanskrit, and it refers to a state of "armed neutrality". This strategy is particularly useful when a state finds itself between two powerful adversaries. By remaining neutral, a state can avoid being dragged into conflicts that do not serve its interests. Neutrality allows a state to focus on internal development and fortification.
Kautilya says that by attaining a condition of "armed neutrality", war can be avoided or prolonged and peace can be established. He advises the use of diplomacy in this phase to de-escalate a situation. For example, the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan in 1998 maintained the "balance of power" in the South Asian Region. This same condition applies to the USA-Russia relationship when it comes to armed conflicts. The concept of a "buffer state" is also born from this policy, where a stronger state uses a third state as a shield to protect itself from a potential adversary. For instance, India defended Bhutan from China during the 2017 Doklam Standoff.
Kautilya's teachings continue to influence contemporary India and beyond. His ideas and concepts have significant relevance for modern diplomacy, including his holistic approach to foreign relations and domestic governance, his Mandala Theory, and his guidelines on the selection and duties of diplomats.
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Yana (coercion)
Yana, or coercion, is one of the six war tactics or policies (Shadgunyas) outlined by Kautilya, the ancient Indian master strategist and philosopher, in his treatise "Arthashastra". These strategies provide a framework for rulers to navigate complex political landscapes and achieve their desired objectives of peace and stability.
Yana refers to the tactic of coercion or mobilisation, involving the threat of force rather than actual combat. This strategy is particularly effective when a state wants to avoid the costs of war but still needs to assert its dominance. For example, during the Cold War, the concept of deterrence through nuclear arsenals can be seen as a form of Yana, where the mere threat of force maintained a balance of power.
Kautilya suggests that a show of strength can often be enough to compel an adversary to comply with demands. This tactic is applicable when a state possesses more power than its adversary. By demonstrating its military might, a state can coerce its weaker opponent into submission without actually having to engage in warfare. This approach can help a state achieve its political or military objectives while minimising the potential losses associated with direct conflict.
Furthermore, Yana can be employed when a state wishes to send a strong message to other potential adversaries. By successfully coercing one opponent, a state can establish its dominance and deter others from challenging its authority. This tactic aligns with Kautilya's belief that power is the means to attain stability and peace. Through Yana, a state can carefully manipulate its power to achieve its desired outcomes without resorting to full-scale war.
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Samshraya (alliance)
Samshraya, the fifth of Kautilya's six war tactics, involves forming alliances. Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was an Indian statesman and philosopher, and chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the first ruler of the Mauryan Empire.
Kautilya's teachings continue to influence contemporary India and beyond. His Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, is often compared to Machiavelli's "The Prince" for its cold political pragmatism. However, Kautilya's theories embraced the Bharatiya policy, highlighting the concept of Vijigishu (conqueror).
Kautilya emphasizes the importance of choosing allies wisely, based on mutual benefits. Alliances can provide much-needed support in times of war or economic hardship, and they also serve as a deterrent against potential aggressors. Historical alliances, such as the NATO alliance, illustrate the power of collective security.
Kautilya's concept of Samshraya can be seen in modern India's foreign policy. One of the most striking examples is the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation. By aligning with the Soviet Union, India sought to balance the power dynamics in the region, a strategy that would have been approved of by Kautilya. The treaty provided India with the necessary diplomatic and military support during the Bangladesh Liberation War, showcasing India's ability to forge strategic alliances to counter adversaries, a key tenet in Kautilya's Arthashastra.
Kautilya's teachings on Samshraya continue to guide India's foreign policy, blending idealism with realism and leveraging both hard and soft power. India's role in the International Solar Alliance and its contributions to global health initiatives exemplify the use of soft power, enhancing its global influence and projecting it as a responsible and influential global player.
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