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"एकं हन्यान्न वा हन्यादिषुः क्षिप्तो धनुष्मता।
प्राज्ञेन तु मतिः क्षिप्ता हन्याद्गर्भगतानपि॥"
The arrow shot by an archer may or may not kill a single man;
but skilful intrigue devised by intelligent men can kill even those who are in the womb.
-Arthashastra 10.6.55
Illustration by The Geostrata
The literary tradition of Indian history includes a wide spectrum of literature related to war, diplomacy, and tradition. Among various political texts of the ancient and mediaeval era, arguably the most popular, scientific and authoritative text is the Arthashastra written by Kautilya. Though the terminologies and strategies of war reflect the ancient character of the text, theories and the tools to approach and manage internal administration as well as diplomatic affairs remain relevant to modern times.
APPROACHES TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
In the Arthashastra, Kautilya proposes four Niti to resolve a conflict with the last one being ‘Bheda’ i.e. war.
Sam (Samadhan or Persuasion)
This approach gives priority to discussions and fair persuasion to resolve a conflict without any physical harm. This requires patience from both sides, however, it never implies submission and unjust negotiations to the adversaries.
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It outlines the desire to understand the perspective of an adversary till the point that one doesn’t appear to be weak and cowardly, who can compromise the nation’s interest.
Dana (Benefits or Gifts)
To falsify the perception that patience or persuasion is equal to weakness, one must show his strengths, not through his arms but through his treasure or wealth. If Sam doesn’t work, Kautilya suggests taming the beast of adversary by offering something which appeals to his senses and crack a deal which is beneficial to both the nations. Daan is often misunderstood as Donation, but in reality it is a diplomatic strategy to establish peace with an instrumental tool of wealth, without any compromise.
The application of Sam Niti and Dana Niti requires a diplomatic mindset and also a mind map of your opponent to hit the right nerve and get the best out of it.
Dand (Punishment)
Kautilya in Arthashastra mentions, “ दण्डस्य हि भयात् सर्व जगत् भोगाय कल्पयते” which translates as ‘it is by fear of punishment that people refrain from doing unrighteous things.’ If Sam and Dana don't turn out to be effective, one must resort to punishment before waging a war, which is basically showcasing your power over your adversary. His book is often called as Dandaniti - Art of Punishment.
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He mentions that, “If the rod is not used at all the stronger swallows the weak in the absence of the wielder of the Rod” (1.4.13-14) and “The king severe with rod (punishment) becomes a terror. A king with a mild rod is despised. The king just with the rod is honored” (1.4.8-10).
Dandaniti often works as a warning. The type of punishment must be to maintain discipline and to prevent instability, which is for the benefit of the whole region.
Bhed (Difference)
It is the final step to resolve a conflict. When Sam, Dana and Dand don't work, the only option left is Bhed, which is the hardest and not encouraged at all. It usually means to isolate the adversary and use social stigma to make him lose the battle even before entering the battlefield. In the case of modern politics and diplomacy ‘Bhed’ often refers to War.
RELEVANCE TO MODERN TIMES
With Sam and Dana being the priority in conflict resolution, Kautilya put emphasis on what we call as soft skills of communication and projection of soft power in modern day diplomacy. The display of authority without any subjugation and rather a friendly exchange to ease out the tensions on the frontiers.
With a punitive action in place, Kautilya highlights the role of hard power as well. Deceit and mockery contradicts with the ethics of administration.
However, it clearly alignes with the message in Bhagavad Gita that defeating injustice (adharm) is the highest form of dharm for a warrior.
Additionally, if deceit has been used with a good intention of establishing Dharm, then it’s not considered adharm or sin for a warrior.
These approaches with a deeper understanding and a sane mind can be applied from small units of governance to global governance without any alteration or symbolism. The soft power approaches only become ineffective when the adversary has an all-out conflict in his mind. With the technologically advanced warfare techniques, Bhed or war, still remains the last option for even the most powerful countries.
CONCLUSION
Indian wisdom of centuries ago displays Bharat’s legacy, which is unclaimed and unlearnt with Western domination and cultural uprooting. Bharat’s rich wisdom treasury has its evidence in the ancient texts. The literature of ancient times provides an elucidation for even the modern chaos.
Kautilya’s Arthashastra is a clear example of this heritage. Kautilya provided sophisticated tools for conflict management long back in c. third century BCE. But a poor understanding and reliance on Western ‘approved’ ideologies and thinkers, very limited studies showcase the legacy of Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
BY NIDHI SONI
TEAM GEOSTRATA
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Well-explained. Kautilya's Arthashastra has become more relevant in the modern times.