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1. Inter-State Relationship
and
diplomacy:
Upaya, Sadgunya and
Mandala
Dr. Virag Sontakke
Assistant Professor
Center for Advanced Studies
Department of A.I.H.C. & Archaeology,
Banaras Hindu University

2. Inter-State Relationship
and
diplomacy:
Upaya, Sadgunya and Mandala

3. Introduction
• The maintenance of foreign relations is very important aspect of the State.
• Some of the most powerful monarchs, kept up friendly relations with
neighbours.
• Diplomacy is important because every State acts in a way to maximize the power
and self interest.
• Kautilya: diplomacy is a series of actions taken by a kingdom to gains strength
and eventually conquers the nation with which diplomatic ties were created.
• Manu was in favour of war under two conditions, when there is a threat to one’s
kingdom and secondly to expansion of territory.
• Kautilya: A King who understands the true implication of diplomacy conquers
the whole world.
•

4. Background
• During Vedic period size of the state were small, they were fighting
each other and make friendships too.
• Later Vedic period increase of Vedic sacrifices, Ashwmedh yagy,
Vajpey, Rajsuy sacrifice etc. indicate ambitious nature of monarch
and state.
• New sets of law were initiated during later Vedic period.
• Early historic period (6th century BCE), saw emergence of 16 states.
• During 3rd century BCE Mauryan emerge with an imperial Status.
• This was the period when relations with foreigners were firmly
established.

5. Diplomacy
• Diplomacy was important aspect of Ancient Indian history.
• Kautilya finds the diplomacy also as an apparatus of war.
• All ambassadors were potential spies with diplomatic immunity”.
• Kautilya:
1. diplomacy is really subtle act of war,
2. a series of consistent actions to weaken an enemy
3. get advantage for conquest
4. Station envoys and secrete agents,
5. maintaining secrecy when striking.

6. Causes of the War
1. To gain imperial status
2. Necessity of self preservations
3. Annexed the more area
4. Restorations of balance of power
5. To get tribute
6. Rescue of oppressed populations
7. To show the military power
8. To engage the military

7. Mandal Theory Shadgun Theory
Upay
Ambassadors and
spies
Diplomacy

8. Ambassadors
and
Spies

9. Ambassadors and Spies
• in Ancient India they were officers, selected for and sent on a unique
mission as an ambassadors and spies.
• The purposes of an ambassador was to
1. convey the message accurately as assigned to him,
2. to make or break alliances or treaties
3. to pronounce war or make peace,
4. to study the geographical position and solid points,
5. To observe military strength
6. monetary situation of a foreign state and
7. to accumulate the best conceivable information.

10. Historical View
• Seleukos Nikator, sent Megasthenes as ambassador to the Court of
Chandragupta.
• Deimachos and Dionysios were attached to the Court of Bindusara.
• Amitraghata as ambassadors from Antiochus Soter, King of Syria, and
Ptolemy Philadelphos, King of Egypt.
• Asoka’s edicts show that that great monarch maintained friendly
relations not only with Ceylon, but also with far area
• In 7th century CE, Pulakesi II, had friendly relations with Khosru Parwiz,
King of Persia.
• Harshavardhana of Thanesvar maintained diplomatic relations with
China along Lalitaditya Muktapid.

11. Ambassadors
three categories of Ambassadors :
1. Nihsrstartha: A diplomat. This is actually a diplomat blessed with
complete controls of the administration of an undertaking and furthermore
approved to follow up on his very personal verdict and choice place issue to
the interest of the nation.
2. Mitartha: - a messenger whose privileges were restricted. His obligations
likewise appear to have been lesser since Kautilya and Kamandaka suggest
minor credentials for him.
3. Sasanabara:- an envoy who is basically a noble envoy. He is allocated
with just a single specific duty.

12. Spies
• The spies assumed critical part in diplomacy.
• As spies remained the "eyes of the sovereigns"
• Spies were to be designated by the sovereign to gather data, their interior
matters, management
• Number of people was given by them who could be commended with this
dangerous occupation,
• Brahrnanas, siddhas, people fit for doing imitation, acting like visually
impaired and stiff of hearing relying upon the circumstance also,
• While selecting a spy, no difference of class, dogma or gender was perceived
and monarch’s spies were drawn from diverse social classes.
• The spy was anticipated to be exceptionally savvy, quick, and productive.
• Deceptive pupil, The Hermit, Proprietor, Mercantile Spy, Colleague Spies,
Fiery Spies, Poisoners, Mendicant Lady

13. The Doctrine of Mandala
• The Doctrine of Mandala is basically deals with the inter state
relationship.
• It is an international relations order of relations based on geographical
factors of a kingdom/country.
• Ancient political thinkers like:
• Kautilya
• Manu
• Shukra
• Kamnadak etc. explain this theory in detail.
• Mandala means a Circle
• In other words it is a theory of world conquest.

14. The Mandala theory is based on…..
• Doctorine of Mandala is a foreign policy.
1. It is based on the geographical assumption that the immediate
neighbour state is most likely to be an enemy.
2. And a state next to the immediate neighbour is likely to be
ones friend.
3. After a friendly state comes an unfriendly state (friend of the
enemy state)
4. And next to that a friendly state (friend of a friendly state) and
so on i.e.,

15. Circle of the 12 kingdoms
Front
State
1) Vijigishu: the king
2) Ari: the neighbour
3) Mitra: Friend
4)Ari-mitra:
Enemies Friends
friend
5) Mitra-Mitra :
6) Ari Mitra-Mitra:
Enemies Friends-
friend
Rare
State
7)Parshnigraha:
पाष$णी'ाह: श*ु
8) Akranda: आ-. :
/म*
9) Parshnigrahasara:
पाष$णी'ाहसार : श*ु /म*
10)Akrandsara:
आ-.ासार : /म* का /म*
11) Madhyama: म4म :
12) Udasina: उदासीन
Mandala Theory

16. 1. Vijigishu:
• A state which aspires to expand its kingdom is called
Vijigishu. Its location is in the center of the circle or Mandal.
2. Ari or Enemy State:
• In front of the Vijigishu, the adjoining state is Ari: an enemy.
• Three types of Ari:
1. Natural enemy (prakritik Ari): The state, which is
bordered by state boundaries, is the natural ari.
2. Spontaneous enemy (sahaj ari) : Hereditary enemy.
3. Artificial enemy (kritrim ari): The king who becomes an
enemy on opposing or opposing himself is called artificial
ari.
• Kautilya: for expansion of his kingdom every king wishes to
keep the territory of the neighboring kingdom under his
control, so the neighboring states are normally the Ari or
enemy states
Mandala Theory

17. 3. Mitra or Friend state:
• The kingdom in front of Ari is called Mitra or
friend.
• Because the Vijigishu has a friendly
relationship with him.
• According to Kautilya, friendly states can be
divided into three categories,
a) Prakritik Mitra or Natural Friend State:
b) Sahaja Mitra State
c) Kritrim Mitra or Artificial Friend State.
4. Ari Mitra: (Enemies Friend)
• A state which is a friend of neighboring states
hostile to the Vijigishu.
• This state tending to help the Ari state against the
Vijigishu.
Mandala Theory

18. 5. Mitra-Mitra State: Friendly state
• The state located in front of the Ari
mitra state is called mitra- mitra state.
• Because it is a friend of mitra state.
• Thus his friendship also stays with
vijigishu.
6. Ari Mitra State: Enemies Friend
• Ari Mitra state located in front of
Mitra-Mitra State.
• He is a friend of Ari Mitra state, so
his relationship with Ari State is also
friendly.
• As a result, it is the same as ari for
Vijigishu.
Mandala Theory

19. 7. Parshnigraha: पाष$णी'ाह: श*ु
• The state that lies behind Vijigishu is
called Parshnigraha. Because he is like an
enemy state with Vijigishu like Ari state.
8. Akrand: आ-. : /म*
• The state which is situated behind
Parshanigraha is called Akrand. He is a
friend of Vijigishu.
9. Parshnigrashaar: पाष$णी'ाहसार : श*ु /म*
• According to Kautilya, Parshnigrashaar is
the state which is the friend of the enemy
state (Parsnigraha) located behind
Vijigishu.
10. Akrandasara: आ-.ासार : /म* का /म*
• The kingdom behind Parshanigraha is
called Akrandasara and is a friend of
Akrand
Rare states
Mandala Theory

20. 11. Madhyam or Moderate State:
• It is concept of special state.
• This state is situated in the middle of
the aspiring Ari states.
• The Madhyama state is more
powerful than both the state.
• Not interested in war.
12. Udasin or Neutral State:
• A state located somewhere between
Vijigishu and his friend state.
• This state remains completely
neutral or Udasin during wartime.
Mandala Theory

21. Mandala Theory
1. Ari (Enemies),
2. Mitra(Friends),
3. Madhyama(Mediators)
Udasina (Neutrals).
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
Friends: 2, 4
Enemy: 1,3 & 5

22. The king and his immediate
neighbours are the natural
enemies to each other.
A king who attempted to give
trouble to another king was an
enemy of the king.
The best kind of friend, who was
constant, noble, straight forward
since generations.
A ruler whose friendship was
courted for the sake of protection
of life and property was the
artificial friend.
INTEREST’s and
GEOGRAPHICAL location of a
territory which decides the
relationship of a neighbour rather
than many other features.

24. Shadguna
Theory

25. Shadguna Theory
• Kautilya believed that treaties should be made in such a way that King
benefits and serves the self-interest of the Kingdom.
• Ancient political thinkers made extremely complex network of treaties and
relationships
• Kautilya elaborated on strategies for not only the strong king but also for
weak king to defend himself and protect the state.
• He defined superiority or inferiority primarily on three dimensions:
1. Military power,
2. Economic power and
3. Geographical size.

26. Shadguna
Theory
Sandhi
Vigraha
Yana
Asana
Sansraya
Dvaidh-
bhava
Reference
1. Kautilya
2. Manu
3. Kamandak
4. Mahabharata (Shanti Parv)

27. 1. Sandhi: making treaty containing terms and conditions
• Treaty between two kings
• When other is comparatively weaker then, the policy of peace
i.e. Sandhi should be employed.
• Kings sought to accommodate each other and did not resolve to
hostile means.
• Sandhi could be temporary or permanent.
• It depended on the environment and relative powers of the
kings.
• Kautilya advised the king to enter in to the treaty, to stop the
strong enemy, wait until you get strong to overthrow the strong
enemy (7.3.22-35).

28. Types of Sandhi
1. Mitra sandhi: With an ally on definite terms,
2. Hiranya sandhi: An agreement based on transfer of wealth,
3. Bhoomi sandhi: An agreement based on transfer of land or
territory,
4. Karma sandhi: An agreement for exchange of military
5. Anavasita sandhi: Agreement to help colonize an
unoccupied place.

29. 2. Vigraha: Policy of Hostility
• If one is stronger than the enemy, policy of hostility should be adapted.
• This policy has two dimensions-
• i. Defensive, ii. Offensive,
• Defensive : One who is sure about its strength to repel attack of enemy,
should resort Vigraha.
• Offensive: One who feels from the secured position can go for Vigraha.
• Kautilya recommends sandhi instead of Vigraha when both, supposed to
be lead the same result.
• Obviously, there are comparatively more loses, expenses and troubles in
hostility (7.2.1-2).
• Kautilya believed that before going to hostility, king shall discuss with the
ministers.

30. 3. Yana: (Marching on an expedition)
• Yana: Policy of attack.
• Yana can be persuade in the situation when one is surely strong
than his enemy.
• “Normally, yana and vigraha are parallel but in yana, one is
expected to be completely dominant in the strength” (7.4.14-17).
• Kautilya: “The joint expedition would be based on sharing
benefits is also recommended in this policy” (7.4.19-22).
• Kautilya mention that never shy from attacking the weak and
unjust king.

31. 4. Asana: A policy of remain quite, तट#
•Asana: is the state in which one is to wait in the hope
that the enemy would get weaker.
•In a way like find himself in difficulties or in calamities,
get involved in war on other front and one would be
strong than enemy (7.1.34).
•Initially, this policy can be associated with policy of
sandhi.
•Subsequently, it is corroborated with the policy of
vigraha.

32. 5. Sansraya: (Seeking shelter/ Alliance) शरण
• This is policy of protection
• Stronger state intervenes and shelters a weak state.
• This policy is particularly recommended for a weak king who is attacked
or threatened by powerful enemy.
• It is implied here that the king would be making continuous efforts to
recoup his strength and independence.
• The shelter at one’s own fort is also a suggestion.
• But if none of remedies helps then the weak king should surrender.
• And he should be watchful for opportunity to strike back and obtain his
previous position (7.2.10-12).

33. 6. Dvaidhibhava दैि$भाव
• It is a policy of dual purpose.
• The double policy of Sandhi with one king and Vigraha with Another at a
time
• Here, Sandhi is for seeking help in the form of treasury and troops from
one king to wage hostility toward another king.
• This policy is referred for the king who is equally strong to enemy and he
cannot win the battle without additional strength of his ally (7.1.13-18).
• Kautilya advocated this foreign policy for States which are superior
militarily.

35. Upaya

36. The Upaya is a Sanskrit word
that means "approaches" or
"ideas” "to come into any state
or condition.
The
Upayas
Sama:
Conciliation
Dana:
Gifts
Bheda:
Dissension
Danda:
Force.
The Upaya

37. Reference s of Upayas
1. Dharmasastras,
2. SukraNiti,
3. Agni and Matsya Puranas,
4. Nitisara of Kamanadaki,
5. In Mahabharata
6. Smrtis
7. Yajnavalkya (the Mitaksara),
8. Somadeva Suri’s Nitivakyamitra 10th c CE.

38. Sama
• It means a general attitude of friendliness
• Sama, the first step of Upaya, means conciliation or alliances.
• When the situation of conflict arises between states, the firsts step is to
talk.
• Medhatithi defined sama as friendly meetings, sitting together,
conversing, seeing each other’s wife and so forth.
• Thus friendliness would accomplish the tasks of a king.
• Kautilya advises the Vijigishu to follow this policy on the conquered ruler
in order to secure his loyalty.
• The Vijigishu must not go plundering.
• Through this policy, a weaker king can thus be brought under control.

39. Dana (Gift)
• Dana a second Upaya, means gifts or compensation.
• Sometimes it is referred to as Dama: price,
• It means to pay the value.
• Kulluka included in the list of gifts, the elephants, horses and chariots etc.
• Kautilya: stronger make concessions to the weaker rulers.
• The weaker kings can be brought into a fold of some sort of obligation and
loyalty this way.
• In diplomacy, if the policy of Sama is successful but can’t produce the
desired result, then to follow the policy of Dana.
• This includes agreement involving loss, limitation of interest, withdrawal,
something advantageous to the other party in exchange for gaining one’s
own objective.

40. Bheda: Dissension
• If neither persuasion nor compromise succeeds then
Bheda is recommended by Kautilya.
• Bheda signifies the policy of divide and rule.
• Kautily referred Bheda as an important adjunct to diplomacy.
• Through Bheda even a strong king could be brought to his knees and a
great power could be subdued.
• According to Kautilya, there are multiple ways of sowing seeds of
dissensions.
• Actually, it was applied to weaken the enemy.
• Bheda was an important means for an ancient conqueror and even today it
is still used by many counties in order to promote their national interest.

41. Danda: Force
• Danda or the use of force.
• If all diplomacy failed, then Danda is to be applied.
• Danda (force) was to be employed in extreme cases.
• To take up war with the opposite state.
• It means using force or other economic measures to punish another state.
• Kautilya also says that it is in human nature that without Danda, there can
be no obedience.
• In all ages, the application of physical force regarded as the most effective
means to bring the desired results relating to inter-state relations.
• Kautilya then referred 3 types of Danda:

42. Any Questions ?