Draft:Sadgunya
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| Founder | Kautilya (attributed) |
|---|---|
| Type | Foreign policy |
Region | Ancient India |
Sadgunya (Sanskrit: षड्गुण्य, *ṣaḍguṇya*), also known as the "six-fold policy" or "six measures of foreign policy," is a concept in ancient Indian political thought, particularly associated with the *Arthashastra* attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya). It describes the six principal forms of state policy that a king or ruler could adopt in relation to other states, aiming to maintain or expand their kingdom's power and influence.[1]
The Six Elements
[edit]The Sadgunya comprises the following six elements:
- Sandhi (सन्धि): Peace, treaty, or alliance. This involves establishing peaceful relations with other states through formal agreements, treaties, or alliances. It signifies a state of amity and cooperation, often based on mutual benefit or shared interests.
- Vigraha (विग्रह): War, hostility, or conflict. This refers to engaging in warfare or hostilities against another state. It is considered a last resort, to be employed only when other means of achieving objectives have failed.
- Yana (यान): Marching, expedition, or mobilization. This involves preparing for war by mobilizing troops, gathering resources, and making strategic movements. It signifies a state of readiness for military action, often used as a deterrent or to gain a strategic advantage.
- Asana (आसन): Staying quiet, halting, or neutrality. This refers to maintaining a neutral stance, observing the political landscape, and waiting for a favorable opportunity to act. It signifies a state of strategic patience and non-interference.
- Samshraya (संश्रय): Seeking shelter, alliance with a more powerful king, or taking refuge. This involves seeking the protection or support of a stronger state, often in the face of a common enemy or threat. It signifies a recognition of one's own limitations and the need for external support.
- Dvaidhibhava (द्वैधीभाव): Dual policy, double game, or making peace with one and waging war with another simultaneously. This involves pursuing a complex strategy of maintaining peaceful relations with one state while simultaneously engaging in hostilities with another. It signifies a sophisticated approach to foreign policy, requiring careful balancing and strategic maneuvering.The concept of Sadgunya has been further explored in modern contexts through works such as Kautilya's Upayas and Sadgunyas: Ancient Political Strategies.[2]
Application and Context
[edit]The Sadgunya was not intended to be applied rigidly or in isolation. Kautilya emphasized the importance of considering the specific circumstances, the relative strengths and weaknesses of the states involved, and the prevailing political climate. The wise ruler was expected to judiciously choose the appropriate policy or combination of policies based on these factors.
The concept is closely related to the *Mandala theory*, which describes the geopolitical landscape as a circle of states, with the central state (the king's own) surrounded by neighboring states that are potential enemies or allies. The Sadgunya provided the tools for managing relationships within this Mandala. It is also linked to the four *Upayas* (strategic means): *Sama* (conciliation), *Dana* (inducement), *Danda* (punishment), and *Bheda* (dissension), which could be employed in conjunction with the six-fold policy..[3]
Significance and Legacy
[edit]The Sadgunya offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and analyzing interstate relations in ancient India. It reflects a sophisticated understanding of political dynamics, strategic thinking, and the use of various tools to achieve political objectives. While rooted in ancient times, the concept continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars of political science and international relations, offering insights into strategic behavior and foreign policy decision-making.[1]
See also
[edit]- Arthashastra
- Kautilya
- Mandala theory
- Upaya (political strategy)
- Ancient Indian political thought
References
[edit]- Kangle, R. P. (1965). *The Kautilya Arthasastra, Part III: A Study*. University of Bombay.
- Olivelle, P. (2013). *King, Governance, and Law in Ancient India: Kautilya’s Arthashastra*. Oxford University
Press.
- {{cite web |title=Kautilya's Upayas and Sadgunyas: Ancient Political Strategies |[1]