Page:Niti literature (Gray J, 1886).pdf/168

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Râjanîti.
139

elephants, horses, physicians, carpenters, Brahmans, and learned men.

120.

A king desiring to fight with another king should not go to war with a soldier who is covetous and evil-minded, cowardly, devoid of strength, and having no virtue.

121–122.

Being properly cognisant of the enemy's strength and the strength of his own army, the Sâmya, Bheda, and Dâna stratagems, and the circumstances of the country, a king should employ the Sâmya[1] stratagem against one on an equality with himself, the Bheda[2] against a brave warrior, and the Dâna stratagem[3] against one who is covetous; all others he should overcome by fighting.[4]

123.

Of the six qualities, first of all generosity is termed sandhiguṇa; not realising its value is termed viggahaguṇa; the non-possession of both these is âsanaguṇa; marching with all the necessaries of war is yânaguṇa; going with half an army is called dvidhâguṇa; having to depend upon the enemy is saṅgaguṇa.

124.

The root of the kingly tree is the treasure, the earth is the branch. What can a king do without wealth? He is like a bird without wings.

125.

As to one desirous of appearing pleasant and beautiful the eye is a source of excellence, so should a king by watchfulness increase his property, income, carefulness, and prosperity.


  1. Conciliation.
  2. Creating dissension (by setting up some claimant to the throne).
  3. By giving money or by bribery.
  4. See Manu, vii. 107, 108, 198, 199, 200.