Snippets from arthasashtra

This treatise was written by kautilya during the maghadha rule of pataliputra. In this book he has given an insight into the state administration. This speaks about real politik.

1. Always have a close eye on our "friendly" nations . In the world of diplomacy nothing is sure. When pandit Nehru blindly befriended china by following panchsheel .He was snubbed by the Chinese masters. When people revolution took place in china, it was evicted from the permanent membership , that membership was offered to India by other permanent members Nehru declined it citing the reason not at the displeasure of china. Now, India is trying its level best to get the permanent membership which is being thwarted by the Chinese. Not only that China considers India as a "potential nuisance" as a result it even plays regional card to bar India from entering ASE AN league.
2. Whenever there is a dip in the revenue collections to the state exchequer create new god and construct new temples. Kautilya says people have the herd mentality one should capitalise on that for the welfare of the state. In the recent times, we do see such mentality in the 70's when santoshi mata films were released people started talking about santoshi maa ..santoshi maa... after sometime it fizzled out.
3. Try to "entice" the disgruntled individuals , groups from the enemy camp. the reason behind it as they could be used as a "source " in the later times. In ramayana, Lord ram was about to launch an attack on Ravana .Ravanna's brother Vibhishana changed camp to lord Rama. Lord Ram knew that vibhishana was bitten by "power bug" so in order to acheive his ascendancy to the throne vibhishana thought it would be better for him to side with Lord Ram. In the modern times, we see cultural attache in every attache they actually do this to "buy" the disgruntled elements. Bombard them with wine,women and other worldly matters.
   
4. Use reformed convicts service. Make them to establish their asharam at the outskirts of the cities to monitor the activities of the those who act against the state. It is based on the principle "diamond cuts diamond" . How a wild elephnat is domesticated ? by using the services of a domesticated elephant.