Nitisara Kamandakiya
Nitisara Kamandakiya
Nitisara Kamandakiya
CAMANDAKIYA NITISARA
OR
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CA LCUTTA:
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CARPENTIER
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INTRODUCTION.
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launch the theory that our literature lacks in works which may
serve as a guidance of practical life. To disabuse the popular mind
of this perilous misconception, we might safely assert that Hindu
writers paid no less attention to practical morals and politics. We
find a very beautiful account of the Science of Polity in the Raj.
converted it into three thousand chapters, and Sukra into one thou-
sand. Thus it was gradually abridged by various sages having in
M94472
;
boys of India gel by rote. The author, of the work which is the
in the fourth century of the Christian era, with their household gods
and their sacred scriptures to the island of Bali, ^vhere they and
iheir descendants have, ever since, most carefully preserved the
authenticity of their literature and their religion. It has also been
shewn by the same authorities that since the period of their exile,
they have not had any religious intercourse with India it would ;
names, to infer its identity with the work now presented to the
public; yet the fact that the people of Bali themselves acknowledge
all their Sanskrita literature to have been obtained from India,
the time when that literature was imported from the shores of
Bharatavarsha.
Buddhist deity, has thought fit to forego the usual invocation at the
commencement of his work — a circumstance \vhich has been made
ihe theme of much erudite disquisition by the author of the
Siddhanla Muklavali.
Ill
It has been observed by some that the use of the word hord in
this work is fatal to its claim to antiquity, that word having been
shown, in a paper published in the Journal of the Asiatic Society
(Vol. p. ), to be of Arabic origin, and to have been borrowed by
the Brahmanas in the loth century. Mr. Ravenshaw's speculations,
however, have not yet obtained that confirmation which would justify
our rejecting the testimony of the .dedication, and infer the date of
the work from the use of a single word which may after all be the
result of an interpolation or a mislection.
The style is condensed and pithy like that of proverbs. The es-
society concise rules and flashing proverbs " the condensed conclu-
sions of experience " form better guides of life and are therefore more
frequently resorted to than lengthy ratiocinations in search of general
truths. Wise men of old from Solomon downv/ards all preferred this
see that these and suiiilar maxims were among the Hindus as the |
gems and artifices from which forgery, perjury and even poisoning
were not excluded. His disciple Kamandaka could not shake off the
_. - .
-xt J heads, and embrace almost all the sub-
Tlio Synopsis of the work. , ^ ^ ^ ^
jects that may be fairly included under
the term i5olity, besides some which have only the voucher
of Hindu writers to appear in this work. The first chapter
is devoted to the medication, in princes, of the necessity of
Study and of controlling their passions. The second has for its
general public and more so to many Hindu princes who govern over
with those of England this work is likely to give some idea to our
rulers as to how the ancient Hindu kings ruled their subjects. In
India we have glorious traditions of loyalty. In India loyalty is the
very back-bone of the Indian races by whom a king is regarded as a
god-head. It will not be therefore useless both for the rulers and
the ruled to know how the ancient Hindu kings swayed over the
vast millions and what was the kcy-notc of the loving fidelity of
CONTENTS.
Introduction.
Science of polity Its origin
: : Dale : Style : Sources : Moral tone :
Sectien I.
Section II.
The four divisions of learning. The customary observances. The
duties of the four orders. The duties of a Brahmacharin. The duties
of a householder. Those of married people. Those living in tiie forest.
Those of the wandering mendicants. An account of the punishment.
P. 15—25-
Section III.
Section XII.
Rules regarding embassies and spies. P. i32 — — 192.
Section XIII.
A description of Vysanas and how to remedy them.— P. 193 — 206.
Section XIV.
A complete account of the seven kinds of Vysanas. — P. 297 — 216.
Section XV.
A description of the military expedition. — P. 216— 225.
Section XVI.
An account of the system of encamping. — P. 226— 236. 4
Section XVII.
The use and employment of various expedients. — P. 231 240.
Section XVIII.
The various modes of warfare, the movements of the generals and
surprise. — P. 240— 249.
Section XIX.
The arrangement of troops, the functions of elephants and horses.
P. 246—254.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
. >3»»«B; t
SECTION I.
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first instance, the central character that would figure in their respective
lay down maxims of practical politics. The first Sloka also contains an
allusion to the Mauriya king Chandragupta (B. C. 319) who had been
installed on the throne of Pataliputra by the preceptor of the writer of
this brochure. The reader will see, that immediately after the author
four Vedas as if they were only one. Salutation unto that one
whose fire of energy was like the flash of lightning, and
through whose magical powers,''^* that resembled in potency
and in fury the thunder-bolt itself, the wide-spread, re-
* Deva. —All the qualities indicated by the root are only possible in a
celestial, hence the word has ordinarily come to mean a deity. A king
is held in as high and sacred an estimation as a deity, and is said to
—
ff Supavva, The parva of a mountain is its peak. Nandaparvata.
—
The dynasty of Nanda was dethroned through the machinations and
KAMANDAKIYA NlTlSARA.
3
for good.' We have accepted this meaning. For Papdta Mulata, some
read papdtdmulata ;
is easy to find out its true signification which is politics. Shdstra means
science here. In the same manner, Arthashdstra may have various
life.'
these are known as writers on civil and religious law, and are accepted
as authorities on civil polity.
^ KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
Prajapati^ himself.
sovereign should protect his subjects (by the
12. The
equitable distribution of rewards and punishments). The
(by
subjects should increase the prosperity of the sovereign
pro-
yielding taxes and tributes in the shape of agricultural
ducts). Preservation of good order is preferable to a seem-
ing increase of prosperity, for when all order is lost,t then
occasioned by the influence of the moon was to the eye of the Sanskrit
Nahusa was a very wise and powerful king and when Indra lay con- ;
Vritra, a
cealed under waters to expiate for the sin of having killed
occupy Indra's seat. While there, he thought
Brahmana, he was asked to
of winning the love of Indrani and caused the seven celestial sages to con-
— all these are said to convey the same meaning. With the
assistance of any one of these, the soul, incased inside this
body, discriminates between what ought to be done and what
ought not to be done.
29. Pious and impious deeds, sensations pleasurable
and otherwise, the presence and absence of desire, so also
human effort, the perception of sense-objects and the re-
membrance of the impressions of an antecedent birth,"'^ these
are said to be the signs that go to prove the existence of the
soul.
50ul and the mind, which it is difficult to explain to the uninitiated. The
idea seems to be that, the soul is the only living principle that retains
the power of invigorating the subsidiary faculties, which latter, but for the
former's help, would have been as inert as matter itself. In the Nydya
philosophy mind or Manas is regarded as a Dravya or substance it is ;
accepted as true.
8 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
33. The soul and the mind are styled to be the 'internal'
engendered.
34. The soul, the mind, the sense-organs, and the sense-
objects, all these are said to be included under the category of
'external sense. 't Volition and muscular movement are the
means of pleasurable sensations of the soul.
a reasonable meaning.
There is a supplement to this Sloka, which in the text from which
we are translating is omitted. The Sloka undoubtedly is an interpola-
tion as it does not occur in the original text. We subjoin its translation.
"As in this earth, one is never satiated with enjoying any of the
following viz, rice (food), gold (wealth), cattle and women, so one should
ever put down an excessive longing for the enjoyment of any one of
these."
10 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
attention.
own destruction.
from the elephant's ears that are moved with great difficulty.!
remark by examples.
\ For Sukhasamchdrdm ol the te.\t the commentary reads
Asukhasaynchdrdin.
t
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. ,j
wife, neglects his royal duties to enjoy her company. Then his enemies
opportunely attack his kingdom, and for his lethargy he is defeated nnd
dethroned. He retires to the forest, and there with liis wife he passes
influence of Kali. He regained his kingdom and ruled for a long time.
Vrishnis. — The descendants of Vrishni indulging over-much in
intoxicating drink lost all their senses, and for a trifle quarreling with
each other fell to slaying each other and thus ruined their own line of
kings. This history is also related in the latter part of the Mahabharata.
§
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA, I
^
* Dandaka. —One day when out hunting, this king aiTccted with lust
forcibly ravished the daughter of the sage Vrigu, through whose anger
he was killed with his friends by a shower of dust.
—
Janamejaya. When engaged in the celebration of the Horse-sacri-
fice, he found marks of recent copulation on his wife this exasperated ;
him, and thinking that the sacrificial priests, had committed adultery
with her, he assaulted them. He met his death through the imprecation
of these latter.
Aila. —This monarch used to persecute and oppress his subjects for
money, who unable to brook his tyranny at last pelted him to death.
Vdtdpi. —This demon together with another named Ilvala used to
invite innocent sages to dint with them. One of them would then
assume the form of an animal and would be sacrificed by the other his ;
meat would then be eaten by the sages. When inside the stomach, the
eaten up demon would be revived by the Sanjivani Mantra and would
kill the sages by tearing open their abdomen. They thus delighted in
killing innocent people. At last the great sage Agasthya ate this Vdtdpi
up and digested him.
Poulasta. —
Ravana the ten-headed demon of the Ramayana whose
history we need not recount here.
—
Dambhodbhava This great demon who defeated many of the celestials
in battle was very much puffed up with arrogance. Finding none equal
to him in single combat, he one day challenged the sage Nara to show
him a combatant that would be a match for him ; the sage then himself
killed him with a blade of grass.
crease his religious merit and worldly prosperity— which are eagerly
14 KAMANDAKIYA NITlSARA.
I
under his thorough control and who follows the path chalked
out in the science of Polity, blazes forth every day j his
sought after by the pious —a person controlling his senses should devote
himself to the services of his preceptor.'
* Sumeru or a fabulous mountain round which all the planets are
said to revolve ;
it is also said to consist of gems and Hence gold. its
present epithet. Mahan great, Ratna gem, and Givi mountain.
1
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 15
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SECTION II
anticipate him.
personage regarded as the
t Manu.—l:\\t name of a celebrated
representative man and the father of the human race, and classed with
divine beings. The word is particularly applied to the fourteen successive
§
l6 KAMANDAKIYA NITlSARA,
sition of Art/ia.f
Trayee with piety and impiety, Vdrtd with gain and loss
Auttami (4) Tdtnasa (5) Raivata (6) Chdkshusa (7) Vaivasvata (5)
§ That is, these kinds of knowledge supply us with the means for
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. ^~
* For, says the commentator, they serve as means for the acquire-
ment of wealth and religious merit.
'
The transgression of the rules of Political science hy a kin^- js so dis-
astrous that it cannot be remedied even by all his learning and
ingenuity.'
Vaisya, (trading and cultivating class), and Sudra (serving class). These
classes are said to have been born respectively from the mouth (signifying
intelligence), the arms (signifying strength), the abdomen (signifying hun-
ger), and the legs (signifying servitude) of the Puriisha or Supreme Spirit.
II
His share has been specified to be onc-si,\th only.
% Modern Metaphysics.
3
;
l8 KAMANDAKIYA NiTiSARA.
called Trayee or the sacred triad. To these three the Artharvan was
subsequently added. The orthodox Hindu theory, regarding the compo-
sition of the Vedas, is that they are 'not human compositions.' They
are supposed to have been directly revealed by the Supreme Being.
and the right employment of the Mantras in ceremonials. These are six
of the rituals of the Vcdas and the settlement of dubious {X)ints in regard to
Vedic texts ; the latter chiefly dealing with the nature of the Supreme Entity.
II
Nydya. —A Hindu philosophy founded by Goutama.
system of
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 19
of yore.
II
ChatuYvarga— Is Trivarga plus Moksha or salvation ; for Tyivarga
vide note to Sloka 13th Sec. I.
^
Having finished his dissertation' on the divisions of Icarniner, the
author now proceeds to determine the duties of the various srxts in the
form ablutions during the three periods of the day (in the morn-
ing, at noon, and in the evening), ft to beg and to live for life
11
One living in the Brahinacharyya Asratna (lor which vide Supra
note to Sloka loth.
^ These fires are three in number namely :
— (i) Gdrhapafya or do-
mestic fire. (2) Ahavaniya or sacrificial fire, derived from the domes-
tic fire i
it is sometimes called the Eastern Cre. (3) Dakshina or the
Southern fire so called because it is placed southwards.
**The Angas are referred to, for which vide Supra note to Sloka 13th.
The triple girdle worn by the first three classes the girdle of the
* ;
51 Smriti. — From smri to'remember and kti, i.e. which are remember-
ed. Vide Supra note to Sloka 3rd.
^ Technically, who have entered upon the Vdnaprastlia Asvama
(vide Supra note to Sloka 13th).
** The text reads Jadatvam for which the commentary supplies
33. These are the duties of all the sects in all their
modes of existence, (the observance of) which can secure
paradise and salvation for them. The neglect of these
II
For AUnata of the text read Atmavdn which gives a good sense.
Here also we follow the commentary.
'^ Dandi—anoiYiQT appellation for the god of death, who is so called
for his holding the sceptre of sway (Danda). One of the duties of his
office is to deal out rewards and punishments to the souls of the depftrt-
"id according to their merits and de-merits accruing from worldly acts.
—
24 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA,
falling into the sea, all prosperity devolves — and never dwin-
dles away — upon a king who knowing the good and evil of
'In this world where beings stand in the relation of food and consumer,'
when just chastisements are withheld, the destructive Matsya is seen
to hold good. The difficulty in annotating the sloka lies in the phrase
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SECTION III.
4
26 KAMANDAKlVA NITISARA.
day or to-morrow ?
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. „
pleasures of the senses,
which are as shifting
as patches of
clouds rolled to and fro by a
violent storm ?
12. The life of corporeal creatures
is as unsteady
as the
reflect-on of the moon in water-
knowing it to be so, a
should always do what is good man
and just.
13. Looking upon
this world as a mirage
and knowing it
o be very transient, a person
should act. in co-operation
the pious.t to secure happiness
wuh
and religious merit
14. A noble person attended upon by the virtuous is
a
charmmg s.ght like a magnif^cient and recently white-washed
mansion flooded by the silvery beams of the moon.
15. Neither the moon of cooling beams,
nor the full-
blown lotus, can so gladden our hearts as do
the deeds of the
virtuous,
fluous speech.
aS. The utterances of intoxicated swans and cuckoos and
peacocks are not so charming as are those of a man of culture.
•j- It is the cry of the peacock which to the Sanskrit Poets was very
musical. It is said to resemble the Sadja or the fourth (according to
some authorities the first) of the seven primary notes of the Hindu gamut.
Jt is also curious to note, that the 'tuneful cry' the 'animated hail' of the
30 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
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SECTION IV.
with snakes.
12. Prohibiting the access of the good to the king, his
reason (if not for any other), that a king should have pious
and good counselors.
13. Having obtained a flourishincr prosperity, a king
should dedicate* it to the enjoyment of the pious. For pros-
perity avails nothing, if it is not participated in by the pious.
14. The wealth and prosperity of the wicked are enjoyed
only by others of the same nature. Only crows and no other
birds taste the fruit of the Kimpdka tree.f
15 — 19' Eloquence, self-confidence, % accuracy of
torture, II
perfection in all the arts, ability of easily reclaiming
may aptly be cited as parallels. For instance here we give the transla-
tion of a Sloka from the Mahabharata :
— "He is the best of kings in whose
dominions men live fearlessly like sons in the house of their sire,"
Uha — means
II
conjecture as 'what can this be' 8cc. Apoha —
means rejection of doubtful propositions after full discussion. The two
taken together gives the meaning we have embodied in our rendering.
;
34 KAMANDAKIYA NlTlSARA.
•f
'For,' as the commentator explains '
they are most efficacious as
means to an end.'
% The word in the text is Sachiva, which generally means a minister
but here the commentator takes it to mean, 'those who seek the same
interest with the king,'
II
The Visarga after Upadhd in the text is a palpable mistake.
% The Upadhds have been explained as above by the author himself.
They are four in kind, being {n) the test of loyalty, {b) the test of dis-
interestedness, (c) the test of courage, and {d) the test of continence.
kAMANDAKlYA NiTISARA, 35
alliance.
Shdstras are often identified with the eyes, for they help in clearing
many doubts and can enable men to divine what is in store for
them. c.f.
•Aneka samsaya chchedi parokshdrthasya darsamarn
Sarvasya lochanam. Shdsiram yasya ndstyandha eb sa.'
Hence the word in the text may mean 'learned in the Shdstras or
manners.'
The Author now goes on to describe the qualifications of the royal
II
36 KAMANDAKiYA NITISARA.
f The word in the text is 'hora,' which may mean 'hours' as well
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 37
king, while it revives with his revival, like the lotus reviving
at the rising of the sun.§
words as well as to the words of his spiritual guides.' Bui there is another
reading and we accept that.
§ Sanskrit poetry abounds in instances in which the lotus is
regarded as the mistress of the Sun. This metaphor probaltly has its
origin in the fact that lotuses blossom forth at the early daun. In this
natural phenomenon, the 'poet's eye in fine frenzy rolling' finds the
delight the sweet-heart feels at the advent of her lord that was away.
II
We would rather prefer this to be substituted by ' should guide
him '
; but the tent does not allow it ; and a tanslator is fast bound to
the oar.
^ That is, 'by reciting proverbs, apologues and moral tales,' these
51 — 52. II
A land adorned with crops, rich in mines,
f 'For,' goes on the commentator, 'he can not perceive the sin of his
violations.'
§ The Mdhuta is the technical oriental name for the keepers of ele-
phants ; one of their duties is to guide them when the king rides on them.
Buffon in his 'Natural History,' calls these leaders of elephants Cornea.
II
Having explained the necessary qalif.cations for monarchs and
ministers, the author now proceeds to describe what kind of land is best
II
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
39
which does not entirely depend on rain-water, but has other sources of
water-supply, namely, iriigation and floods, for agricultural purposes.
Egypt and the countries, through which the Nile flows, can be cited as
examples. The opposite of Adevamdtrikd is Nadimdtrikd i.e., having a
river as foster-mother.
II
The word in the text is Sdrupa for which the commentary suggests
Sdntipa.
^ So that its inhabitants might have an abundant supply of fire-wood
and fuels.
§
40 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
cattle, and where the popular leaders are not foolish and
voluptuousf —such a country is the best of all others. A king
should, by all means, endeavour to promote the welfare of
such a land, for, with its prosperity, the other constituents of
government would also prosper.
govern according to his own whim and caprice surely ; the expiation is
very ingenious.
X The author now gives directions which will help a king to select a
suitable site for his castle. These directions, as the reader will see, do
credit even to a military engineer of the highest rank-
§ These mountains and forests and deserts would stand in the way of
an enemy coming to assault the fort. ¥or ghana the commentary gives
Maru.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 4t
* What the author means is this :—'Inside the fort there should be
natural hillocks and a large nuniber of trees, under the cover of which, the
garrison at the time of a siege would be able to give battle to the assaulting
army. The site of the fort should be in a desert soil, so that the besiegers
and water. The garrison should have abundant supply of provision and
drinking water, so that they would be able to hold out long, while the
ranks of the besiegers would be thinned by famine.
preceptors
f Achdryya lit means a spiritual preceptor, here the
:
of the gods and demons (Vrihaspati and Sukra) are alluded to.
will not rashly venture a battle, for,
I So that in case of a siege, they
by holding out, they are sure to conquer in the long run.
'
covered equally with land and water.' We do not find any appro-
priateness of the interpretation and so reject it.
6
f
42 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
has been filled by lawful means, and which can defray any
amount of expenditure, — such a treasury wins the approval
of men of financial acumen.
64. Persons possessing treasures should preserve them
for purposes of piety, for increasing their wealth, for times
of danger and for maintaining their dependents.
65 —67. An army"^ inherited from the forefathers,
throughly obedient and disciplined, firmly united, well-paid,
well-known for bravery and manliness, skilful in handling all
f What the author means is which has served his forefathers' &c.
'
II
The author here gives rules for forming alliances and for selecting
allies. Here also he is very wise and far-seeing. The Ayatikshama in
KAMANDAKIYA NlTISARA.
^3
not a friend in whom this quality is not found ; and a man should
not throw himself on the mercy of such a one.
77. Thus, government and its seven constituents have
been explained by us ; its main stay is the treasury and the
pf Kdmandaka,
SECTION V.
I. P,
Persons depending on others for their livelihood
should enter into the services of a king who is like the celes-
tial tree Kalpa itself J ; who is ever devoted to his duties ; and
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA.
45
judgments.^
6. A person should choose such a living which would
be relished at present and in future ; he should never select
one that would be disliked by the world.
* Here the commentary differs from the text and substitutes another
reading, namely 'Vrittasthayn Vrittisampannam' which we have accep-
ted.
those behests of his royal master which would be relished by the people
46 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
at present and in the future ; and he should never do what would be inju-
describe the influence of company. This Sloka and the next are put
in by way of preamble.
I The text lit : translated would be 'a stream of Ganges water'.
But the Ganges being the most sacred river, her water is typically used
to signify all tasteful water.
§ There seems to be a pun upon the word 7o^a' which means both
regions and persons. If the second signification is accepted, the last
portion of the Sloka would mean '
is not forsaken by his friends.'
II
What when a man has no other
the author wants to impress, is, that
means of livelihood but service, he should select a master who tallies
with this description. For, he thinks, such a wise selection will diminish
the unpalatableness and rigours of servitude.
^ The word in the text means having an accurate memory' but '
;
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA.
47
respectful manner.
19. A dependent should avoid prevarication, trickery,
deceitfulness and thievishness. He should do obeisance to
the sons and favorite attendants of his royal master.f
20. He should speak nothing unpalatable to the king's
jesters ;J for then, in the very midst of the assembly, they will
pierce him to the core with their withering sarcasms.
21. Occupying a seat adjacent to (that of) his master,
he should not allow his eyes to wander, but keep them
7
t
50 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
George Herbert.
X The nature of the emergency has been dePned in the commen-
tary to be 'warlike preparations by an inimical sovereign.'
§ The word in the text may have another import, namely 'to
secure religious merit.'
II
For Asatya or false, the ommentary reads Asabhya or indecent.
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA. jl
to 'Vesabhum.' The original reading lit: rendered would mean 'ilic dress
52 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
servant.'
I Another
meaning is possible, 'overlooks the blame that he (de-
pendent) may lay on his shoulders.'
II
Lit : translated '
acts otherwise.'
^ So that the dependent may not approach and solicit any favour
from him.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
53
his servant, lie does not grant him any reward* Then the
master sometimes begins to speak suddenly! and moves
towards and casts petrifying glances on him.
his servant^
43. The master speaks words that cut his servant to the
quick,§ and then he breaks out into a derisive laugh.
||
% So that, before his servant can clear out of his path, he may
havj a plea for insulting him saying 'why do you obstruct my way, take
your detested carcass away.'
§ The annotator here very rightly suggests ^/aywa for Mantra, but
gives a different meaning to the former, namely 'demerit ;' the rendering
|]
A different reading is suggested viz "Gundii na Valiumnnya-
^e" or 'does not appreciate his merits'. The annotator further explains
himself saying 'the master does not relish the jokes cut by his servant
and in lieu of laughing, he wears a morose face over them.'
! Supply to hide his own faults.'
'
ing a certain favor, attends his master on his bed and there shampoos
and chafes and rubs the latter's legs and arms, still the latter will nut be
propitiated and to baffle his man he will imitate sleep.
through the strength
X% Balaina means
'
by virtue of ' ' of.'
J
54 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
the doer may feel proud of, and which he may very well
rejoice at ; even though it may he a very insignificant act,
even from interest's point of view, is quite evident. For surely no master
can overlook all the good services rendered by his servant durinor an
emergency ; and for the sake of gratitude, which finds a place even in
but when a war breaks out or any other emergency arises, these quali-
ties stand in good stead to their possessor as well as to his master ; they
also invest the former with renown and make his name a proverb among
his brother-servants.
KAMANDAKrVA NITrSARA. 53
are means of success against an enemy. There are four of ihemi, namely,
(a) Sdman conciliation or negotiation, {b) Dana gift or bribery (c) Bhcda
sowing dissensions {d) Danda punishments or open attack. Some
authorities add three more, namely, (e) Mdjyd or deceit (/) Upekslia
trick or neglect {g) Indrajdla magic and conjuring. We do not
know whether the author advices the dependants to employ these
remedies against their royal master going astray. It may be that there
% Are here intended to tipify the crudest and most heartless and
exacting masters.
§ Lit : translated would be '
are won over by.'
II
Lest people take exception, to what he had said m the Fast
56 MARKANDEYA PURANAM.
and worthless, turns her face away from him when she has
to give him something by way of assistance^'
f This and the previous Sloka are not to be found in some texts.
As we have said before, the author, from this Sloka, begins to
:|:
II
Another reading is given for the last portion viz., '
Siiskam
saras ibdtndajd' or '
just as dried-up lakes are forsaken by water-fowls.'
We see no reason for this alteration.
65. A
monarch should never abolish any endowment
with respect to any person, place or time for, by such aboli- ;
ing we have accepted. When a man is blessed with prosperity, and good
fortune, no one ever thinks of the family ire comes from, but takes it for
II
These we take to be the periods of probation.
8
58 KAMANDAKIYA NlTlSARA.
[I
Blind or indiscriminate regarding the recognition of merit and
demerit.
f
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA.
5g
•f
For Satyani Vogafald the commentary reads Satsamvogafald,
making a slight difference in import.
translation of the original Sloka. 'A king should examine the fidelity
Ij
Store-house includes both treasury and granary.
6o KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
mind that when merchants and traders are aware that a country is well-
i.e., timber but if the words of this latter compound be inverted, then it
;
will be Ddrusdra and will mean sandal-wood, in which the Indian forests
abound and which is very precious. The reader may judge for himself.
§ For Karanddhikai of the text the commentary supplies Karand-
dhipais which is more sense-conveying.
II
The word in the text corresponding to our 'weak' is Ksheena ;
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 6l
subjects.
* For the sake of lucidity we have been a little free in our render-
ing of the last portion of the Sloka which is very terse in the original.
X This Sloka bristles with errors and obscurities, and but for the
reject.
II
The last portion of the Sloka has been thus explained by the
annotator. Just as people though afraid of keeping in the vicinity of
fire can not help handling it for dressing their dishes, so these men
though afraid of living near the king can not help doing so for fear of
t —
62 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
Amukta
87. For the first line of the text the commentary reads :
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA. 63
-:o:
SECTION VI.
himself, acquainted with the customs and the contents of the Vedas.'
his
win the good-will of
'T ^monarch, who
subtcts* should carefully
cherish "- '^"^5' '''\
desires to
"'
"f
is to
dut t of a i<ing
duty.
in fulfilling th.s
ds (directly) instrumental
for the purposes
o
inflict tortures
. Monarchs can
to death^§
put impious wretches
a different
author explains himseU
in
."cefu, .0
. meaning is possible, ^^y'l^^S^l'^^
namely seekmg to g
An other
.irictly literal
can comm,.
f^^^^flj' ^e have rendered ftm.^
earth, liUo the sages, ^-'^^^^^^ ,,„, derived
into
unimpeachble.
worldly point of view,.is
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA. 65
should not use open violence which may have other pernicious results.
offender.
66 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
Thus ends the sixth Section, the weeding out of the thorns
of government, in the Nitisara of Kdmandaka.
X What the author means is this : —The people, when well -cared for
and cherished by their sovereign, try with all their heart to bring about
the prosperity of the latter.
—
SECTION VII.
that this juice which exudes from the temples of the elephant, especially
nor in the more recent publications of Shaw ; neither do any other writer
on this subject seems to have observed it. The author of the 'Wild
Sports of the East' states that on each side of the elephant's temples
there is an aperture about the size of a pin's head, whence an ichor
exudes ; but he does not appear to have been aware of its nature."
In the lexicon of Amara this juice is termed Mada and Ddnam, and the
The scent of the juice is commonly compared to the odor of the sweetest
45 Sec I.
+ The adjectives, contained in the first part of the Sloka, are appli-
meanings.
6S KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
to the royalty,* they can kill their royal sire or their brother.f
§ The commentator here very aptly points out that there are two
kiilds of modesty, one that is born with the man, and the other the
tesult of culture ; both these kinds are indespensable for a prince.
II
'For then' says the eominentator, '
engrossed in low, carnal enjoy-«
tHents, he will have no leisure to hatch any conspiracy against his royal
father*'
|
KAMANDAkfVA NlTlSARA. 69
present.
10. Having bathed in waters capable of counteracting
the (baneful) effects of poison, 1 and having decorated his
person wMth antidotary gems,-^ a king should take thoroughly-
father.
princes, the author now begins his somewhat tedious discourse about
the nature of poisons and their effects on various objects and things, as
also about the expedients which are calculated to guard a monarch from
being administered poison to.
able ladies.'
At the time when the author wrote it was believed, that water
^
guarded and preserved with the flowers and stems of the white Pnskara
)0 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
a venomous serpent.
have been vomitted forth by Gadura, the great winged enemy of the
serpent species, on whom even the virulent venom of the snakes can
produce no injurious effect. Even in these days, snake-charmers are
found to apply a kind of black stone on that part of their body where the
deadly reptile they dangle may happen to drive its fangs. This stone is
has any property for counteracting the effects of poison. For further
enlightening our readers on the point, we quote below an ancient Sloka
'
Rachito Gadurodgara maniryasya vibhusanam,
'
Sthdvaram jangajnam tasya visam nirvisatam vrajet.'
For him, who has adorned his person with the gem vomitted forth by
Gadura, all sorts of poisons, either mobile or immobile, are turned into no
poison i.e., loose their baneful power. Probably this poison-stone has
some affinity with the bezoar (vide infra note to Sloka 14th).
—
* Jdngidd means poison, the word is very rarely used jdnguld- ;
all Hindu tales as the male and the female, both gifted with human
speech ; they are constantly introduced, the one exposing the defects of
the fair sexand the other inveighing against the faults of the male sex.
The fancy of maintaining these pets seems to have been equally pre-
valent in the East and the West. As to the fact of their crying out
at the sight of a serpent, to which the author alludes, we are not in a
position to enlighten our readers.
§ The text of this part of the Sloka is surely vicious. The one
difficulty, one has to face in rendering works of this nature, is to detect
§
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 7I
tants of the air, only living on the dew of heaven and never resting on
earth.
also in the East, the rich melody of the note of this bird harbingers the
arrival of the Spring.
§ Regarding the changes, which, the author says, all these birds
undergo at the sight of poison, we can not enlighten our readers.
II
The idea that the faeces of peacocks can drive away snakes has
probably originated out of the belief so much current in the East, that the
barley. However it does not reject insects and tender plants, and so
capricious are its appetites that it is not easily restrained from the most
unaccountable depredations on the dwelling, the firm, or the garden.'
% Prisata— IS the porcine deer ; regarding the virtues of the dung
of Prisata we can not enlighten our readers. But an idea suggests itself
to us, which is, that the author may refer to the bezoar stone produced by
72 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
light-blue in hue.
gazelles, antelopes, wild and domestic goat and sheep. Two kinds of
this stone were particularly esteemed, the Bezoar orientale from India
and the Bezoar occideiitale froin Peru. Some authorities have asserted
that the true occidental bezoar is the production of monkeys. The
oriental bezoar was prodigiously in vogue in Asia and in Europe
and it used to be administered in all cases in which our
present physicians prescribe cordials and other antidotes. This
calculous concretion was formerly regarded as an unfailing antidote
to poison. Probably the bezoar is the thing which in a previous Sloka
the author has denominated as the gem vomitted forth by Gadura.
* Over and above the usefulness of peacocks and the Prisatas, they
were considered as objects of luxury by oriental sovereigns.
f The author now proceeds to describe the indications, for the ac-
curacy of which we cannot pledge ourselves.
X We can not say, whether or not, what the author asserts will be corro-
borated by the conclusions of chemistry. But so far we can say, that arsenic
or any preparation of it, acted upon by fire, may emit a blue flame and
fume. As there are various sorts and kinds of poison, we cannot
specify all the reactions that will be produced when they are thrown on
fire. The latter portion of the Sloka is self-evident.
II
For Salyam of the text the commentary substitutes Saityam which
yields a rational meaning'.
KAMaNDAKIYA NITISARA.
73
t Says the commentator 'such as, the juice pressed out of sugar-
cane &c.'
X Vide supra note to Sloka 12th.
§ The word in the text xsAdra the commentary explains the line
;
say-
ing, 'Raw fruits and paddy, when envenomed, become faded in color near
their foot-stalU ; never ripening, they appear to be withered and their
color turns dark so say those who
; are versed in toxicology.'
that Siiska things mean Katakas (bracelets) and other such ornaments.
10
f J
74 KAMANDAKIYA NITlSARA.
are covered over with black round spots, and stuffs made of
cotton* down and
become totally destroyed.
fur,
II
Supply 'even in level tracks.'
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. -5
by his foes.
II
The author now proceeds to give directions which are calculated
to insure the safety of kings during voyages and sports and hunting
parties and meetings, visits &:c.
76 KAMANDAKIYA NITI5ARA.
order that his aim might not fail, should enter, being followed
by a well-disciplined and vvell-accoutered§ army, a wood, the
access to which is easy, the outskirts of which have been
reconnoitered and are guarded by soldiers, and which abound
in game and is (therefore) a suitable place (to hunt in).
ing eunuchs in protecting the harems was prevalent from time immemo-
rial in Hindustan, whence perhaps the Mahomcdans transplanted it to
their country.
78 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
master).
The attendants of the seraglio should be allowed to
47.
go out and come in, only when the things they carry would
be known to the guards and when, if questioned, they would
be in a position to furnish sufficient reasons for their egress
and ingress.^
step.
§ Lit: those who bear matted locks on their head ; here the Saivites
are referred to.
II
Lit: those who bear a hairless head ;
the mendicants and •z/rz/^/i-
^ The last line, the commentary explains thus "to say that they are
going on the king's errands."
t
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA. 79
secret, was assasinated by his queen who gave him some fried
This exasperated the couple, and Virasena being urged and assisted
II
The ruler of the Karusas incurred the displeasure of one of his
avoid all serpentine dealings with his friends, but have re-
sorts of enjoyments.
56. A king, desirous of securing virtue, should, in due
Viyikarana.\
57. At the end of the day, ascertaining his routine of
'
The Veui is a braid in which the long hair of the Hindustanee women
is collected.'
KAMANDAKIVA nitisara. Rt
SECTION Vlti.
-00-
I. Supported by
)il a solvent treasury and an efficitMit
It
1
—
82 KAMANDAKIYA NITISAR/\.
II
Lit : translated the word would be 'absence of procrastination.'
^ Lit: translated, 'absence of meanness (i.e., enviousness).'
§§ For 5arffl of the text the commentary ^wes Urjas which readincr
we have accepted.
nil
'Owing to his countenance and designs being inscruuble' goes on
the commentator.
The commentator explains 'avoidance of sophistical reasoning.'
^^
$
84 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
his prowess.
-f-
Shdstras here mean Military sciences.
X The word may yield another meaning namely 'geneality of
temperament.'
§ Instead of every time repeating a long-winded phrase we propose
to use the original word, which we have explained in a previous note.
II
Lit. '
one who cherishes his subjects.' c. f. Rdjd prakriti ranjanat.
^ Vide note to Sloka I. Section I.
S The last line of the Sloka is hopelessly vicious, which, without the
help of the commentary, cannot be at all understood. The commentary
reads " Pratapayuktdt trasyanti pare singhht inrigd iba."
f* The commentary, not accepting the ordinary meaning of the word,
suggests, 'the fame that a monarch earns by subjugating all monarchs
hostile to him.'
which he himself has set his eyes. The pursuance of one and tlie
same purpose (regarding a certain territory &c.)by two rival sovereigns,
goes to engender ill-feeling and enmity between them. The truth of
this proposition needs no iilucidation \ c. f.
'
Two of a trade can
never agree.' The reading in this part of the Sloka is vicious and Avi-
lakshanam should be Arilakshanam.
f The commentator adds, hence illiberal and iiliberality estranges
'
;
his subjects from him, which again renders him materially weak.'
86 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
miiram, and ihQ A rzmtframz'i ram, ihese are the five sovereigns
ally (of the Vijigisu). This alliance results in this way. The dominions
of the sovereign of the 3rd circle are adjacent to those of the sovereign of
the 2nd circle, and consequently, as before, they become hostile to each
other. The sovereign of the ist circle or the Vijigisu, taking advantage
of this hostility, befriends the sovereign of the circle marked 3.
The circle marked 4. represents the dominions of the Arimitram or
the enemy's ally. His kingdom being contiguous to that of the Vijigisu'
ally, he turns hostile to the latter, and consequently becomes the opponent
of the Vijigisu,and the ally of his {Vijigisu' s) enemy.
relations with the Vijigisu and his allies. This hostility with the Vijigisu
the intermidiate king, whose dominions are contiguous both to the domi-
nions of the Vijigisu and his enemy. So this king may become either an
ally or an enemy to either of them. His power and his attitude have
been described by the author himself and we need not anticipate him.
The circles marked 8. 9. 10. and 11. signify the monarchies situated
in the rear of the Vijigisu.
The circle marked 8. represents the domain of the Pdrshnigralia or
one who is situated in the rear. The attitude of this monarch has not
been defined, which may both be hostile and friendly but more often ;
it is hostile.
the king whose kingdom lies, in the rear, next but one, to that of the
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 87
Asaras, or the two monarchs who respectively support the Pdrsh nigra ha
and the Akrajida ; they are respectively called Pdrshnigrahasara and
Akrandcisara. Their attitude may be easily divined.
tallies with what is given by our author. We need not quote Manti here,
as the number of Sections and Slokas has been given by the commen-
tator in course of his explanation of every Sloka. The reader may
compare Manu at his leisure.
* The commentator in annotating this Sloka says that the Prashni'
vene those of the Ari and the Vijigisu, but verge on them. Refer to our
diagram.
H § J
88 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
them all, when they are united, and of crushing them when
they are separated.
20. These four, namely, the Vij/'gisM, the Art, the Madhy-
ama and the Udastna, have been said to be the principal /
components of a Mandala.\\ This is the Mandala of four
monarchs.
We can not say whether this Maya built the great court-hail for me
son of Pandu.
% Is the name of a demon, the father-in-law of Indra. For Indra/
Vide note to Sec, II. Sloka 35, also Sec. lY. Sloka 21.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 89
% Twelve kings of the Mandala and their twelve allies and their
twelve enemies raise the number to thirty-six.
§ The text before us has here sadvingsatkam or twenty-six, \Vhich, no
doubt, is a mistake of priiuing,
II
Vide note to Sloka 3rd Section II.
by Vishalaksha.f
29. The six Prakritis, namely, minister, l-ingdom,
castle, treasury, army and ally, of each of these fifty-four
* Another name for Vrihaspati, for which vide note to Sloka 8th
Sec. I.
the Vijigisu, the Ari, the Madhyama, and the Uddsina), each
with an ally of his own, become eight in number. These eight
kings with their respective Prakritis, minister &c., form the
Mandala, the number of whose components is as many as
that of the syllables contained in a stanza composed in the
Jagati^ metre.
35. Those monarchs who are in the front of the Vijigisu
and those who are in his rear, together with himself, constitute
the Mandala of ten monarchs, spoken of by those who arc
acquainted with the nature of Mandalas.
36.The six Prakritis, namely, minister, kingdom, castle,
two /'^fli^nY/s, the assailant K^yj^/^M and the assailed Ari, are one and
the same. The contention of these latter is that, as the Vijigisu assails
the Ari, so also does the Ari attack the Vijigisu. In this way, the Ari
also becomes the assailant Vijigisu. So, of the Vijigisu and the Ari,
each may be called both the assailant and the assailed. Thus it comes
to be only one prakriti and this is the Mandala of one Prakriti, viz.,
the Vijigisu.
IJ
The author now compares a Mandala to a tree.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 93
* The Vijigisu, the Ari, the Madhyama and the Udasina, these
constitute the four roots, Vide supra Sloka 20th.
wards the Vtjigisu becomes one of hostility, whereas the attitude of the
94 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
(the Ari), and also him whose dominions lie intervening the
dominions of his allies in the front (/. e. the Arimitram).
having paralysed the ally of the enemy's ally through the ins-
* Thus the enemies in the front and in the rear of the Vijigisu, being
engaged, they will not be able to watch his movements. So that
at any time he will be able to crush them by surprise.
II
For Cha read Vd.
^ What the author means seems to be, that men are not born either
mutual friends or mutual enemies. There must be some cause or causes
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 95
fore, always, should the Viji^isu shun such causes that might
create enemies.
all-round prosperity.
^ The text in the last part of the Sloka is vicious ; for Sundhimdnna-
met read Sandhindnamet,
' —
^Q KAMANDAKIYA NiTrSARA/
Pidana.
59. Destitute of all shelter,§ or seeking shelter with
There are two Slokas supplementary to this one, which have been
omitted in the text. We subjoin their translations :
(a). When the Uddsina marches forth for conquest, all the other
* .\s a supplement to this Sloka, Sloka 15th of this Section has been
repeated here.
seized by Vali. When latterly, he met Rama, he told the latter how he
had been treated by and besought his assistance for recovering
his brother
assist Rama in recover-
his wife, promising at the same time that he would
the throne
ing his wife Sita. Rama killed Vali and installed Sugriva on
of Kislikindha.
For Karma and vittam the commentary reads .1/a>'nza and Viryyaw,
II
»3
9S KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
f
secrets,^ he consumes the latter, like fire consuming a
withered tree.
This Sloka, with the alterations reading noted above, has been
in
quoted
in the Section on war of the
Hitopadesha, Sloka No. 62. We
subfoin
Sir W. Jone's translation of it. "
Our natural enemy knows our former
crimes, our heart, and our strength
so that he penetrates and
;
destroys,
as fire burns a dry tree."
•f
Hence 'domestic,' so says the commentator. What the author seems
to suggest in this Sloka appears to be that, 'to slay a family-born enemy,
here.
instance,
76. A monarch
enquire
But by abandoning an unoffending
his religious
into
should,
the guilt
at
merit as
every time
and innocence
well as his worldly
and
of
-1
in
ally,
every
others
a
realised.'
II
Compare Sloka 142, in Sidiridveda (Breach of friendship) in the
Hitopadesha. We subjoin Sir VV. Jone's translation of it.
f For the first portion of the Sloka, compare Hitopadesha Sloka 141
Sec. Suhridveda. We
subjoin Sir W. Jone's translation.
'
r^et not a prince punish men from the words of others ; let him
examine the facts, himself, and then imprison, or dismiss with respect.'
For instance, we quote below, from the Drama Mudnirakshasa, the words,
the Vaitalika (ministrel) deputed by Rakshasa uttered, with a view to
home into the former's mind the subserviency of his position, he uttered .
enemy. Let those, who want to crush the weak host of the enemy and
who desire to acquire fame, follow me with a singleness of purpose, dis-
regardful of the fear of death.
Viradhas — Minister, this excitement avails nothing. I was only re-
really possess them, nor should he take notice of any vice in any one of
his allies.
t
00-
these kings.
J
SECTION IX.
and the security of his castles, wherewith to witiistand the invador ; thus
highly distrsssed.'
settling the preliminary negotiations, thus leaving room for himself to fall
explains these kinds of peace, and the provisions for each of them.
14
I06 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
called Upahdra.\\
the commentator
explains Upaluira-sandlii thus: 'Peace that a van- —
conqueror by surrendering to the
quished monarch concludes with his
latter his army and treasury, is called Upahdra.' The nearest approach
—
live; under it, the parties identify their acts and their
resources ; J it is not broken by any cause whatever, either in
kind of peace, and tries to prove its superiority over the rest.
serve any difference with regard to their respective treasures and acts.
They consider one another's wealth and interest as good as their own.and
act accordingly."
14. 'You shall have to accompHsh this act for me, without
getting any help whatever from me' — when under some such
condition specified by the (conquering) enemy, peace is con-
cluded, it is designated Adnstapurusha-sandhi.X
15. When peace is made with a pcfWerful adversary
through the cession of a portion of the territories, it is called
peace-making.
* Samyoga literally means a 'firm union,' and what can bring about
a firm alliance but a common by int*est? Here also the definition
secure which the weaker party surrenders his troops to the use of the
when the latter called upon by the forfner, goes to perform some act
for the former's benefit. The definition given by S. W. Jones is incom-
prehensible. It is this :— "Adrista-purusha— when after peace, thus
stand thus, though the difference tfetween the tw© translatioiis (one in
—
no KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
the body and the subjoined one) will be very immaterial. " When an
enemy is shunned by the stipulation that a portion of the territory should
be ceded to him, and when peace is concluded accordingly, it is called
Adista by those versed in the principles of peace-making." S. W.
Jone's definition is as follows. "Adista — Where land is given in one
part."
* The definitions, given by S. W. Jones, of these two kinds of
peace are as follows :
II
The following is the definition given by S. W. Jones, in which
he has omitted one element. '
Parikraya — that concluded by a part or
the whole of the treasure.'
^ In different texts this word Paribhusana is substituted by one of
the two words Parabhusana and Paradusana, the latter being the reading
of the commentary. S. W. Jones, definitions are :
—" (i) Uchchana,
—concluded by giving the most excellent lands, (2) Parabhusana —
concluded by giving up the fruits arising from the whole territory."
—
find that ever}' one of them contains the elements that are essential to
the Upahara-sandhi,
boy-king.
'
a cause of terror,' It is incomprehensible, inasmuch as 'a cause of j|p
satisfied undermine the king's pcjwer and bririg about his speedy fall.
counsels."
KAMANDAKIVA NUlbAKA. nJ
23. One who is under the influence of adverse (ate,*
one who relies too much on chance (or fate),t one who is
offended they can bring about the ruin of a king. For '
gods' some subs-
titute '
his family-deities,' these latter are special images that receive
homage from the family as long as it continues.
* S. W. "one who denies Providence." Pro-
Jones's translation is
bably the translator has been misled by the word Upahatas, which
when compounded with Daiva has a different meaning altogether.
f A king depending too much on Providence, is consigned to a
singular inactivity which goes to ruin him.
obedience, &c.'
II
The original word is Adesastha which means 'dislodged from his
natural site,' and hence, deprived of the security of his castles and advan-
tages of the soil and trenches and ditches and fortifications in it. S.
VV. Jones^gives :
— "One who is in any fereign country.'
fl S. W. Jones's O translation is this :
— 'He who takes not the right
time for action.' Some interpret the word in a different way thus : —
"When the king comes upon evil times and hard days," this latter
and meaning seems to be a litUe is more correct, is 'one who fights not in
season.'
** A prince void of truth and justice, is alienated from his subjects
by his mal-treatment of them.
With these parties a king should not make peace, inasmuch as if war
is waged against them, the chances of defeat will be very little. So it
15
114 KAMaNDAKIYA NITISARA.
reasons, his subjects hesitate to risk a battle for his sake and under
liis leadership. In this way, he is materially weakened, and is left to^
the prercy of the assailant, who if prudent, should not conclude peace
with hipti, but would crush him. (For Frabkdva vide note toSlokai,
Section I .)
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 11 5
t So peace should not be made with him but ; his dominions should
be confiscated, as he would not be able to offer the least resistance, being
deprived of the assistance of those who alone would have fought hard
for him.
own credit."
Swartha Satknta may mean also, " for subserving their own selfish
flies away."
II
A king whose men and ministers are so rtiany toVvards, cannot
I.l6 KAkANDAKlYA N^ITISAlRA.
stand before an assailant, inspite of all his bravery ; for they would surely
abandon him to his fate, at the slightest prospect of a war breaking out.
Not even the valorous achievements and feats of heroism of that king,
would be enough to inspire noble sentiments in their hearts. For the
last line of the text the commentary gives this line, viz.
monarch shares not the booties obtained, with his troops, who therefore
naturally grudge to fight for him." The word in the text etymologically
means, 'one who does not equitably distribute hence the latter mean- ;'
We offer no comments.
Thus forsaken, he becomes virtually powerless, and is easily
§
neglects his roya! functions and thus cultivates the ill-will of his people,
| f —
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA. II7
who, at the first opportunity join with, any other king that may come
with a hostile intention ;
thus virtually the king becomes helpless, and is
easily disposed of by his foe. The following is the rendering of S. W.
Jones.
" An ill-natured man is deserted in the battle by better natures, and
the sensualist who abounds in pleasure is overcome by it."
* The original word is Anekachitta-mantras which is a compound
meaning " manj'-minded regarding his counsels." We translate it \
f The first few words of the Sloka may have another meaning.
In that case the rendering would undergo this change in the last part
viz., for " through the consequences, &c., we shall read " for virtue
is ever powerful." The double meaning seems to hinge on the euphonic
combination that may or may not be supposed to exist in Sadadliafma,
&c. What the author means is this that, such kings are subjugated
bj' their enemies without the least difficulty, for, by their impious deeds
they alienate both God and man from themselves. Thus I hey form
an easy prey for the conqueror. S. W. Jones's translation is this :
sayinij, '
what could my exertions have done when Fate was so much
against me ? Surely Destiny is superior to human endeavours." This
IfS' KAIVTAI^AKIYA NITISARA.
servile reliance on Providence prompts him not to put forth his exertions
for the defence of his kingdom. Thus he remains unprepared when
assaulted by an inimical sovereign, and so falls an easy prey to him.
S. W. Jones's rendering of this sloka is : — Providence is certainly the giver
of wealth and poverty ; let a man therefore meditate first of all on Provi-
dence but not so as to prevent his own exertions.
;
* We have been a little free here, for the sake of lucidity. The
meaning of the author is this : —
When famine rages in his country and
when there is no food to live upon, its king surrenders himself of his own
accord without offering the least resistance, merely for this two-fold
consideration, (i) That none of his subjects would then fight for him ;
that even if they do so, they will be reduced through their want of food ;
desert him 6n the field of battle. The commentary parapharases the word
VdldvyasaHaksaktasya thus :
—" The army whose ranks number many
warriors who have not been duly honored for their services, and who,
in consequence thereof, are very much disaffected." S. W. Jones's
rend<-ririg is as follows :
—
" He who has a bad army has no power to
f^ght."
m
KAMANDAKIVA N'lTlSARA. i 19
may be.§
superfluous.
X The enmity between the owl and the crow is well known in Ijidia,
so much so, that it has past into a proverb. In the day-light the crow
attacks the owl, that can not bear the sun's rays, while by night when
the crows are deprived of their vision the owls attack them. Here is
S. W. Jones's translation of the SloUa :— He who engages unseasonably,
'
lies his advice seems to be this that, it is better to be in peace with those
who are difficult of being overcome and with whom, if war is waged, the
chances of success will be limited. The one consideration that should
always be like a sacred duty to a sovereign ; is the prosperity of the
territory over which lie rules ; and for its sake the monarch should pru-
dently launch upon war or conclude peace. Where there is tlie least
of least resistance ; so crush them who are weaker than yourself, and pay
homage to them and cultivate their good-will who are stronger."
" true." Hence he
f The word in the text is Satya which means
who keeps his promises or troth inviolate even at the loss of his very life.
X Aryya lit means the Hindu and Aryan people as distinguished
from the A>!diyyas or the aboriginies. Hence it has come to signify one
faithful to tlie religion and laws of his country and of noble birth and
character.
conquered b}' an advanced race ; and as such, they generally are far
below in the scale of civilization than their conquerors. Hence the
word has come to signify base fellows of low moral standard whose
mode of life is considerably vile.
II
His power lying in the wisdom of his counsels and in the efficiency
of his men and munitions.
^ He that has obtained victory in many wars is sure to conquer ;
so
(
it is unwise to proceed hostilely against him .
«-»
\>,
'pi^g author now proceeds to furnish reasons why peace should be
concluded with these parties ; he also emphasises the fact that if war be
w;ii.;eil rigninst these, defeat will be the inevitable result.
t
his life he will not change his nature and be vile like an Anaryya or dis-
honest fellow. S. W. Jones's translation is this :—
" He who keeps troth inviolate will not alter his nature after a peace,
even if he loses his life. A good man most assuredly will not become
bad."
f And when he is thus supported by his subjects, the assailant has
no chance of vanquishing him on the other hand, it is not unlikely
;
that the latter's troops will rebel against him for his trying to annoy a
virtuous and beloved monarch.
% A virtuous prince naturally cherishes his subjects like his own
children. So, they become very loyal to him and look upon him
as their father, and do not hesitate to sacrifice their life and property
for his sake ; such a prince, so dearly loved by his people, is incapable
of suffering defeat. DitkJiochchedyas lit means 'he who- is extir-
pated with difficulty.' Prajdnuragdt may have another meaning, vis,,
II
The commentary introduces a change in reading by substituting
Sa dwisa prapya for Samprapya. The change we have accepted.
^ Renuka is the wife of the sage Jamadagni the mother of Parasu-
rama.a celebrated Brahmana-warrior regarded to be the sixth incarnation
of Vishnu. The allusion referred to here, is this. King Kartaviryya
went to the hermitage of his father and carried off his cow. But Parasu-
rama wlien he returned home, fought with the king and killed the latter.
When the king's sons heard of the fate that had overtaken their sire,
they became very angry and repairing to the hermitage and finding
Jamadagni alone, they shot him dead. When Parasurama, who was
not then at home, returned, he became very much exasperated and
x6
J §
ceeded in fulfilling his vow, and is said to have 'rid the earth thrice seven
even with a bad man, when ruin is impending not for the sake of ;
% The last portion of the Sloka has been rendered a h'ttle freely.
It is superflous to comment that when the several royal brothers live in
amity and when there are love and respect binding them to one
another, there is scarcely any chance for a foreign invader to subdue
such a king. It is intestine discord that has been the ruin of many a
kingdom. S. W. Jones's translation is given below .
— "As dust when
intermixed with thorns cannot be trampled on, so a king, who has many
brethren cannot be subdued." The difference in the first portion of the
translation migiit probably have arisen out of a misprint in the scholar's
text which probably substitutes Renii for Venu, the Sanskrit letters
(i?a) and (5fl) resembling one another very closely. Renu means
'dust.'
safety ;or him, as there is none for a deer under the claws of
a lion, (save in the conclusion of peace).
50. Prosperity leaves not that king who bows low before
a powerful adversary and puts forth his prowess in proper
season, even as rivers (that naturally flow downwards) cannot
How upwards.
confiscate the whole kingdom, it is better to die fighting for liberty than
to surrender one's self.
does not change the meaning of the passage materially, is still worthy
of notice. The construction becomes different as we take Na with
The author enjoins the conclusion of peace with the powerful, for, trying to
go against them, a king is blown away like clouds trying to go against the
wind.
§ The principle inculcated in the first part of the Sloka is quite
apparent. None can deny that it is safe to bej in peace with one more
t :
all places, at all times and over every enemy, obtains victory
in battle, enjoys the earth merely through the prestige of
prowess.
powerful than one's self. But at the same time, the weaker of the two
must not miss any opportunity in which, by the help of his prowess and
energy, he has any chance of crushing his powerful rival. The author
means this : 'The comparatively weaker sovereign should remain in ap-
parent peace with others more powerful than himself, watching opportu-
nities to establish his superiority. This is the high road to royal pros-
f What the author means is this, that a king who has had the
fortune of obtaining a large number of victories, becomes so well-
known and feared that, he can enjoy his kingdom even tiirough his
* The allusion in the last part of the Sloka is obscure. Vritra was a
powerful demon who was killed by Indra. But we know nothing of the
perfidy of Indra referred to here by the author. The reader is referred
to our translation of Srimadvhagavatam, Book VI, where an elaborte
description of the battle could be found.
The commentator suggests certain minor changes in readings viz.,
Samhita for Samdhita and AdroJie for Adroha.
f For Rajyainnicha the commentary substitute: Rajyalida, which
latter reading we have accepied.
on them."
§ What the author means seems to be this :
— "The filial or pater-
nal affection that is ordinarily found to subsist between a father and a son,
could not always be looked for in the royal father or son. Their exalted
ranks swing their heads, and their conduct become unnatural. It has been
wisely said "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" for, it cannot
even find solace in the lap of the father or the son. Wliat made the
auth.or put in this Sloka here is this that, he has already warned sover-
eigns not to trust allies ; he also advises them not to trust their own father
or their sons, for royalty is like an intoxicating liquor having the power
to corrupt the whole inner man.
The author now proceeds to describe what should be done by the
II
BharadvvajaJ says.
(powerful) adversary.
58. ||0f a sovereign, who exerting himself to the best
sovereign, and it includes, the efficiency of the army and the abundance
of the sinews of war.
preceptor of the Kurus and the Pandavas. He was born out of a Drona
or bucket in which his father preserved the seed which fell at the sight
of a celestial nymph called Ghritdchi.
II
The author now proceeds to state that as there is risk in hazard-
ing a battle with a powerful adversary, there is also immense advant-
age to be derived if in any way victory may be gained. When a king
can put down his assailant, his other enemies are naturally inspired
with a liigher estimation of his strength than they had ere now formed.
Thus they are frightened and venture^not to oppose him when he attacks
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 127
of his powers, can crush his superior with his army,'^ the
other enemies become conquered by l»is (this display of)
prowess only.f
59. Where in war victory is doubtful, (in that case) peace
should be concluded even with one equal in every respecljj
for, as Vrihaspati§ says, " E(nbark not in any project
where success is uncertain." ||,
60. For these reasons, the sovereign that desires his pros-
perity to reach the acme,^ should conclude peace even
with one equal to him in all respects. The clash between
two unblaked jars surely becomes destructive of both.^^
61. Sometimesft by resorting to (uncertain) war both
the parties reap destruction. Were not Sunda and Upa-
sunda, bothJJ equally powerful, destroyed by fighting with
eacli other ?
them ; and they fall an easy prey to him. In this way, without the
evils of war, he succeeds in extending liis empire, which is the highest
ambition a sovereign may cherish.
* For Sasainasya the commentator gives Alpasainasya.
11
S. VV. Jones's translation of the Sloka is as follows :
— "Let a
lang seek peace for the love of religion ; in war success is doubtful ; but
in making peace let no man doubt. So said Vrihaspati."
^ The commentary suggests some minor changes in the readings
which are as follows : — For Tatsampfaviddhe it reads, Asampraviddhe
•and Abhibriddhikama tor Ativyiddhikavia.
** The last part of the Sloka hints at the result that may be expect-
ed when two princes equal in prowess happen to figlit witii each other.
Nikumbha. They got a boon from, the Creator that they would not dje
128 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
\
until they would kill themselves. On the strength of this boon, they grew
very oppressive, and Indra had at last to send down a lovely nymph
named Tilottamd, and while quarrelling for her, they killed each other.
* The text of the Sloka has been considerabty changed by the com-
rnentator in order to wring out a plausible meaning. The Sloka specifies
f The word in the text is Viheena for which the commentary gives
Atiheena. The commentator suggests Atiheena to mean 'in very bad
circumstances.' This meaning is good. The author has said before
that peace should not be made with those who are liable to be easily
conquered but there are occasions when even such an adversary should
;
II
For Himavat the commentary suggests Hi manas.
^ For Kshatam the commentator gives Kshate. The whole Sloka
with the changes of reading noted above would read thus :—
"Atiheenopi Sandheyas Vyasane ripurdgate,
dence.**
the case of the weaker king's refusal to make peace. The Sloka as given
in the text, may give some meaning, but that would not be suited to the
context. Literally rendered it would be this :
— 'Never desire to make
peace with the low, the reason being, there is much uncertainty in such a
treaty (and hence it will not last long). Therefore securing their confi-
dence, a king should smite them down, actuated by desire for gain,'
Even here, we have to change a little of the text.
needs no explanation.
** The strain in which the author sings is this .—"When peace is
made with a more powerful king, try to gain his confidence by hook or
17
J t
II
The last part contains an allusion which has not been explained in
the commentary. The reference seems to be to the birth of the Marutas
or Wind-gods. When Diti the mother of the demons was quick with the
Marutas, Indra, knowing by his jj/o^a- prowess that she was going to give
birth to a child that would be a formidablejopponent of his, entered her
womb and there severed the foetus in seven times seven parts.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA, I3I
f Such as, the minister, the royal priest, the physician, or the
commander-in-chief.
J The word Yuvarajdh or the heir apparent or the crown prince.
is
What
§ the "author means seems to be this 'Even a cool-headed :
—
adversary may be overthrown in this way, not speak of him wlio is rash.'
yi. The assailed king should, with all his efforts, try to
enkindle the wrath of the monarch wliose dominions lie just
behind the assailant's.^ Then, through his agency, he
regarding the construction ot the original, but this make the translation all
* Tlie last portion of this Sloka would have been unintelligible but for
the reading suggested in the commentary, which reads Yatyavisivdsam
for Yasyn visivasa. When a sovereign cannot trust his own people, he
can scarcely risk a battle with his enemy.
f What the author says in this Sloka is this "The assailed king :
—
should form secret alliances with the minister &c. of the assailant, so
that they would not fight to the best of their abilities. It was this
principle which Lord Clive followed in making Mirzafar apathetic to-
difficulty.
II
The last mentioned alternative seems naturally to be connected
with the other. But we have faithfully followed the construction of the
original.
text and to the teachings already inculcated by the author. The Sloka
would admit of another meaning, which will nearly tally with what is
the assailant and him who is looked upon with disfavor by this laittr.
Then, through the agency of the person out of favor, he should crush the
enemy." What tl>e author refers to is that expedient of foreign policy
which is known as Veda. What he means is this that, when a weak
monarch is assailed, he cannot but seek external help, and this he should
find in the Parshnigrdha of the assailant, whose anger acainst
the latter he should try to rouse. Then united with the Parshnigrdha he
should crush the foe.
* The commentary gives Pradharsayet for Prasadhayet ; we have
accepted the emendation.
** The draining of the treasury and the devastation of the crops &c.
ft Such as the inclemency of the weather, 8cc.
75. What king, who is not a fool, would put his friendis,
his wealth, his kingdom, his fame and even his own life in
tain, and he may lose them any moment, being slain or defeated.
** For Santapayet the commentator gives Samsthapayet which
reading we have accepted.
^ For tiiese Vide an earlier note (Sloka Sec.
ff In the last part of the translation, we have been a little free for
* But if the assailant refuses to make pe.-ice, the author says, the
his terms. So, by equal fierceness only, can he conclude a firm treaty.
seems to be vicious.
SECTION X
^'
Jl OSSESSED by tliou«i;hts of revenge, and wiih hearts
burning with anger engendered by the infliction of mutual
f What the author means to say is this : — Wrath and resentment are
not the onlj' causes tliat breed war, but a desire for elevating one's posi-
tion, or excessive oppression by the foe, may also lead one to hazard a
war. But there is a provisio in the latter case, which is this that
before declaring war, one must see that the advantages of the land and
time are in his favor ; if they are not so, he must not go to war, for, in
that case defeat will be inevitable.
it is this :
— Supported by the advantages of the land and the season,
and by an army well-equipped with men and munition.
§ This and the following two Slokas should be read together. The
•Tuthor now enumerates all the causes and occasions when war is
II
For example the commentator cites the case of the abduction of
Sita by Ravana, (refer to Ramayana).
^ Sthatza and Desa mean almost the same thing ; in our rendering
we follow the commentary strictly.
§
II
The original word is Jndna-vighdta which thecommentary
explains to mean the destruction of the literary class, who are instru-
mental in the cultivation and spread of knowledge.
% The commentator explains, — the infringement of the social laws,
and customs.
** The word in the text is Mitrdrtliam which the commentary takes to
that when an ally is destroyed by his enemy, a king takes up the cause
of his ally and avenges his destruction or ruin.
XX The commentary explains 'To abandon :
— creatures to the mercy
of their enemy, having at first given them full assurances of safety.'
nil Having enumerated the sources of war, the author now goes an
to describe the measures by which such wars may be put an end to. We
have rendered this Sloka freely for making the sense clear,
18
138 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
•f
The word in the text would mean lit : "The war arising out of some
cause detrimental to the interests and government (of one of the parties
:|:
Visaya here, as before, means 'kingdom or the dominions of a
monarch.'
§ For Ydna of the text the commentary gives Dhana, which we have
accepted.
II
The second line in the original bristles with bad readings. The
commentary has suggested certain emendations but for which it would
have been difficult to make any sense out of the line. For Shama it gi /es
^ The sense of the author is this : — When the allies of a king bring
about a war through their wanton behaviour and policy, he should not
join them, but remain indifferent ; so that, none of the evils of the war
may overtake him. It is always the duty of a sovereign to make
common cause with his allies ; but not so in this case.
— § f
but, for a generous ally^ even the very life may be risked.
10. War caused by the offer of insult should be extin-
guished by the offer of honor. Conciliation and propitiation
are the means for pacifying a war caused by pride and
arrogance of one party.
11. A brave kini( should reach the end of a war caused
by the destruction of a friend or an ally, J by the applica-
tion ofunderhand measures, or by having recourse to incan-
tations and magical spells.
12. For pacifying a war having for its cause the eager-
ness for possessing the same object (by two kings), a pru-
dent king should give up that object, provided that his royal
prestige does not suffer thereby ||
§ One line of this Sloka is omitted in the text. The line as given
by the commentator is this :
treasure being drained out to meet the expenses of the war ; moreover
there is no certainty about success.
X The first half of this Sloka again has been omitted in the text.
Trishnopanydsayuktena Samadanadikenagha.
II
The commentary quotes another reading for the first part oi the
Sloka, to be found in the Benares Edition. It is this :
It means — 'One who can control his passions, can reach the end of a
war engendered by the failure of showing compassion to creatures.'
II
Vdstjtjam —etymologically means 'originating from some Vastti or
territory &c.
this:
— "Hostility having for its cause the intrigue and illicit love of
women." This meaning although appropriate is not comprehensive ;
Strijam would mean that kind of hostility that has anything to do with
females.
** Here the commentator has introduced a change in the read-
ing ; he reads Chdrajatus for Vajnatam, Chdra means spies scouts or
emissaries ; hence clidraja would mean, hostility, which spies cause to
spring up between two parties. The Cliaras bring into notice some or
other of the treacheries of one party and thereby sow in the heart of the
other, the seeds of enmity.
dobtful,**
20. That injurious at present, ft that without any future
benefit, JJ that with one whose strength is unknown, that with
a wicked person, §§
§ That is, handed down by the father to the son ; ever constant in
the family.
II
This is the common sort of hostility, bred by the offer of insult
and offences.
uncertain.'
XX For the first line of this Sloka, the Benares Edition substitutes,
Ayatydin cha taddtwe cha dosa Samyamanam Tatha.
§§ The commentary paraphrases Dusta by deceitful for the sake of a- ;
21. That for the sake of others,* that for the sake of
a female, t that extending over a considerable length of
time^J that against illustrious Brahmanas,§ that which is
unseasonable, II
that against one aided by the gods,^ that
with one having allies and friends proud of their prowess,**
22. That ^beneficial for the present but without any
future good, and that from which advantages may be derived
in future but not so at present,
23. These are the sixteen kinds of war that should not
be launched upon and tenaciously adhered toff by a prudent
that a king should not without much deliberation, take up the cause of
others, and even if he does
he should not prosecute the war for a long
so,
time. Another meaning hinted at by the commentator is, 'for the sake
of snatching away (or guarding and preserving) the properties of others.'
A war for the only object of depriving others of their properties and
rights, should not be waged and adhered to.
f Lit translated the text-word would stand thus Having for the :
— '
the rainy season &c. Autumn is the best time for declaring war in India-
king. A wise king should wage only such a war, from which
advantages may be derived both at present, and in the
future.
next.t
26. A man acting in a way prejudicial to his welfare in
the next world, should be shunned at ^a distance. :j: The
ShastraSfhea^t testimony to the truth of the above propo-
sition. Therefore, one should perform pious and benefi-
cient acts.
27. When an intelligent§ monarch finds his own army
happy and efficient]! and that of his foe in the reverse state,
then may he launch upon war.
§ In this and the next two Slokas, the time and the circumstances
under which war may be declared, are specified. The original text-word
Matinian is explained by the commentator thus: —one who can judge
what would conduce to his good and what not.
II
The word in the text is Hrista-piista, a compound of Hrista
(or cheerful, contented &c) and Pusta (well supplied with men and mu-
netion, hence, in the most perfect condition^.
KAMANDAKIVA NITISARA 145
f That is, enjoying health and plenty and cherishing the greatest
I 'By fruits of
war' the author probably means this, that a king risk-
ing a war, has the chance of acquiring territory, allies, or treasures.
§ The author now institutes a comparison between the three fruits of
means —
II
% Previously the author has advised that war with one equal in every
not be fought, nor should war be declared openly. But even if war is to
be declared openly and battles fought, then the measures of policy should
be adhered to, in order to undermine the streugth of the enemy.
** That is, when inspite of all previous efforts to avoid it, war is
declared, then the measures of policy should be had recourse to, for the
J9
146 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
snakes||.
for a kino- to carry on a war, he should pacify it with his best endeavours.
+ The author here advises what is to be done when the weak
monarch is assailed by the strong.
hand tliey bite men without any provocation and without any gain to
themselves.
^ The author now describes the effects of cane-like and serpentine
conduct.
** That is, as if quite indifferent and careless of what is going about
him. This is merely a feint.
38. A
king ingratiating himself into the favor of his
foe§ and by conducting himself like one solicitous of his
welfare, should know the purposes of the latter, which are
ordinarily difficult of being known ; then exerting himself in the
right hour, he should catch hold of the locks of the goddesses
is to keep his eyes wide open for any opportunity that may occur. Act-
ing in season, he may even crush ihis powerful enemy. He should
seem to be indifferent to the state of affairs around him, only to create
a belief in his adversary's mind that he is quite innocent.
f The serpent attacks others with fury and shows no liniency for its
victim so should the intelligent king, acting in the right moment' should
;
be unrelenting and stern towards his foe, and would not stop until the
latter's destruction has been completely achieved.
subjugator.
t
of prosperity (and drag her over to him) ?>y means of his right
hand of deplomacy.^
39. A high-born, truthful, highly powerful, resolute,
his own position, ever seeing the affairs and movements of the
f The last portion of the Sloka has been rendered a little freely for
-;o:-
SECTION XI
I. 1 [E expedition
HI which an eminently powerful and
energetic* sovereignf whose subjects are loyally attached
to him through his many excellent qualities, sets out upon,
in order to obtain victory, J is called Ydna.\
2. Vigrihya, Sandhaya Sambhuya Prasanga and
Sandha peace or alliance, '(2) Vigraha or war (3) Sthana or Asifiaa halt ;
I
—
f The text word is Neepuna which lit: means clever, skilful. But
here it means, proficient in poUtics. The reference here is perhaps to
VriJiaspati, Sukra and others.
% Vigrihya comes from the root gralia to take, with the prefix vi'; it
means — to quarrel, fight ; vigraJia ov war also comes from it. There
are two different kinds of Vigrihyaydna ; the first of these (as defined in
the sloka to which this is a note) has been defined by the commentator
thus :
— "The expedition for the conquest of bellicose and assaulting foes.*
the translation given above is free inorder to bring out the meaning
clearly.
**. For the first half of this Sloka the following line is sometimes
substituted :
with.
|]
For Yatrdyamam the commentator substitutes, Vatyanam,
over territories bordering upon those of his own." But Sainanta has
another meaning which may be equally appropriate here and that
is, —a general entrusted with the command of the army.
first part of the translation would then stand thus When a monarch — '
united with his faithful and powerful generals and counsellors," &:c.
152 KaMaNDAKIYA PflTISARA.
§ The commentary, says that the two kings are the Vijigisu and
the Ari. Although their attitude is ordinarily hostile to one another
yet when both of them are threatened by a powerful adversary they
join together and make a common cause.
II
Sdmanta here means neighbouring '
kings.'
means is this :
—A king sets out on a march against a particular
foe, but owing to some incident on his way, he changes his original in-
f King Salya, the ruler of the Mad'-as, was the maternal uncle of the
Pandavas, being the brother of Madri the second wife of Pandu. As is
natural, on the declaration of the great war between the Kurus and the
Pandavas, he set out to join Yudhisthira, intending to fight against Dur-
yodhana. But on his way there, he was artfully won over by Duryo-
dhana and subsequently fought on his behalf. He maintained the field
for one day during the latter end of the war, but was at last slain by
Yudhisthira himself.
victory.'
decided advantage which he may have turned tc profit at his will. What
the author means is probably this :
—
A king at first marches against a
certain enemy of his and obtains victory over him, but without making
the best of the occasion and completely crushing the foe, he assaults the
latter's allies, who all the time thinking him to be satisfied with the
was quite competent to slay them, did not do so but left them alone ; he
at the same time, attacked the dwellers of the Golden city (a celebrated
I By the
enumeration of the simple names, the author really means
to express that, excessive love for women, indulgence in intoxicating
not they {},e. women &c) that are the Vyasana, but over-fondness for
§ The original word in the text is, Daibopaghdta which the commen
tary explains saying Daivi Apat, or calamities inflicted by Fate, such
as Famine, Pestilence &c. ^
II
For an elaborate explanation of this word vide note to sloka 8
section VII., and also the Introduction.
called Vigrihydsana.^*
il
The five kinds of Asana are (i) Vigrihydsanam, (2) Sandhaya-
sanam, (3) Sambhuyasanam, (4) Prasangdsanam and (5) Upekshhsanam.
ing viz, 'the act of attacking each other is called Vigrihydsanam.'' The
commentary explains this in another way, taking it to be identical with
should lay seige to it, cutting off the Asdra* and blocf<-
The another now points out the results of the interception of the
I
helping troops and the prohibition of all egress from and ingress to the
beseiged fort. Cutting off the Asara is intended to mean the complete
some difficulty about the meaning of the last two Sanskrit words. The
commentary takes Yava to denote Vega or fleetness and Saindhava to
mean 'horses of the Sindhu breed.' It therefore gives the compound the
signify the whole army. But Yava (as spelled in the text) cannot mean
Vega ; it means, 'barley-corn.' Saindhava can also have a mean-
ing other than horses of the Sindhu breed, viz., a kind of rock salt.
In the age of the author there was no imported salt. It was this
all the more appropriate, because when food runs short in a garrison,
there is no other course open to it but unconditional surrender. In
accepting this meaning it must not also be forgotten that all egress and
ingn ss have been cut off.
II
For Vigrihyamdnacommentary Prahritim, the substitutes,
17. When the /i/'/ and the Viji^isu both suffering loss
in a war, stop it by the conclusion of an armistice,* it is
called Sandhdydsanam.-^
18. Even RavanaJ the crusher of his foes, had recourse
to the Sandhdydsanam, offering Brahni5§ as his hostage,
when he had to fight with the Nivatakavachas.||
II
The Nivatakavachas were a very poweful clan of demons al-
mentary gives is put in English for the information of the readers. There
hostage.
^ Vide note to Sloka i6th Section VHI.
** For SammiitliMiam the commentary reads Vyavasthdnam which
is more intelligible and appropriate.
ff This is another name for the Madliyama who is so-called in conse-
quence of his hostile attitude to both the Ari and Vijigisti.
—
Polity.t
22. The (apparent) indifferent attitude of a king before an
enemy more powerful than himself, is called Upekshasana.X
Indra§ treated with indifference the carrying off of the
Pdrijdta\\ from him.
sage, when wandering through the heavens was honored by Indra with
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. I59
He accordingly asked for from Indra the lord of heaven who refused
it
to part with it. A battle was thereupon fought and afterwards through
the mediation of other gods, the Parijdta tree was allowed to be trans-
planted into the garden of Satyabhama, and Indra was advised to treat
Krishna. Her brother Rukmin who was engaged to protect her, did
offer no resistance (the account here varies) but suffered her to be taken
away, thus assuming an indifferent attitude for the love of her sister,
X The translation given above has been advisedly made free for
lucidity's sake.
the enemy by attacking them in small bands, something like the present
guerrilla mode of fighting.
J
sorts of flattering speech make the assailant believe that he- is entirely
current in this part of the world. But how far this beleif is correct, we can
not say. It is supposed that the crow has only one eye ball {c.f. such
this : 'When a foe threatens immediate attack, he should be put off with
promises of whatever he wishes the assailed to do. But those promises
should never be fulfilled, as they are^mere dodges to gain time.
5[ The last portion lit : translated would be 'should serve the stronger
of the two.'
** This Sloka embodies the advice as to what should he done when
the duplicity of a king is seen through by his foes. The first thing he
should do then is to befriend a sovereign or sovereigns inimical to his
foes. But in the absence of such parties, he should surrender himself to
the stronger of the two.
§
exterminated or destroyed.'
** The commentary explains, 'Upachita Saktimata' i. e. one possess-
degree.
ing Saktis swelled to the highest
21
f
* The stress put on this part of the sentence is advised ; for, as the
commentator points out, when there is any other means whatsoever for
self-preservation available to a king he should not throw himself at the
mercy of other kings, inasmuch as "Mahddosahi visistavalasamagma
Rdjnam'" i. e. for kings to implore highly powerful rivals (for protection)'
In this way the latter would be able to ingratiate himself into the favor
of his protector, who if satisfied with him m^ght give him his independence
back.
II
Prasarayifa lit '. nteans, "courteous and polite in behaviour," or
"bearing affection or lovre for the protector." The obedience must ber
highest esteem and respect at the hand of the Mantra Sisyas or "puprb
of sacred initiation."
ft That is, live for some time witlh the protector, just as a Brahmana-
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 163
lives with his preceptor for a time after his investiture with the sacred
thread.
* The commentator says that the meekness and humility should
only be outward and not the outcome of any real affection or feeling.
We do not agree with the commentator here, in as much as affection and
love have been said to be the feeling that the protected should entertain
towards the protector.
the protected would gain strength and become numerous everyday ; for
II
The original word is Visandhim i. e. one who violates the provi-
sions of a peace or treaty, and acts in cortfravention of it. Some read
Visandhis here.
commentator the "products the land" are the
% According to the of
rents and revenues flowing into the imperial exchequer. But Bhumi-
sambhava certainly has a wider significance.
l64 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
vation was not only the key note of Hindu polity but also of Philosophy
Numerous saws and sayings can be quoted in support. Even the author's
preceptor the celebrated Chanakya has said so in one of his slokas.
your ivives and wealth.'
c.f. 'Always preserve yourself in preference to
The principle is not the outcome of abject selfishness but of the belief
(which is right) that self is the source all happiness, spiritual and earthly,
numerous wrongs and injuries at the hands of his cousins, the Kouravas
who for a time deprived him of his lawful inheritance to the throne, ob-
tained it back after a severe battle extending over eighteen days. The
reader is referred to our translation of the Mahabharata. For the last
II
What the author says is this that there is a verse full of signl^-
flcance known to very body that if a. man lives he is sure to have joy even
after the lapse of a hundred years. The author wants to impress the fact
that the lot of man cannot be uniformly miserable or happy. This
existence has aptly been called checquered. Weal and woe come to man
as if revoling on a wheel. A man surviving the misries and suffer-
ings of life is sure to reap joy at last. Hence the necessity of self-
preservation. '
KAMANDAKIV8V NITISARA 165
should be forsaken and lastly (if need be) the earth should
(for self-preservaiion) *
be forsaken after due deliberatian
when some
F. tVVhen his own strength increases or
(the assailant with whom he has
calamity!: threatens his foe
should npon hte
sought shelter), the (protected) king
fall
inter-
* The author now institutes a comparison among the several
against one another. If the king finds
ests that is likely to clash
consequence of his friendship to a
suffer in
that his family will
forsake him. And in this way
he should
certain individual, he should
self-preservat.on. This
in the interests of his
even give up his territory mature
measure of course had recourse to after cool and
must be
last
that, self-preservat.on
deliberation. Here also, as before. .the refrain is
are three Gunas namely the above two {Sandhi and Vigraha)
and Sams ray a.'*'
N. When oppressed by a powerful assailant, a king is
compelled to effect with a stronger one, inorder to save himself from the
persecution of a strong foe, is called Samsraya ; whereas Sandhi is
concluded between two contending parties, the assailed and the assailant.
X As the reader is aware, the author's, preceptor is Chanakya. The
fifteen Slokas that have been said to be included within the nth Section
of the Manuscript copy end here. In the Manuscript the I2th Section
begins with the next Sloka.
§ Having finished his disquisition on the six modes of foreign
policy, the author now proceeds to impress the necessity of holding con-
sultation and counsel. As in these days, so in the past, counsels used
to be held before any king proceeded to do anything. It was after
ing has comprehended aright the nature of the six gunas, and wlio has
no doubt left about their working, employment &c.
^ Thft text-word is Giiraprachdrabdn, Gurahpracharas are tliey
will keep the king informed of the state of affairs in his own as well as
in his enemies' dominions, thus helping considerably in arriving at
right conclusions in his deliberations.
* Mantfajna means one who know Mantra ; this last word has
been explained elaborately by the commentator. Any secret consulta-
X That is, 'feels to his great'pain the sword-cuts of the enemy which
means nothing short of death.' There are several changes of reading in
this Sloka, which for their minority we omit to note.
mystic charms, which he alone possessed. Seeing this, the preceptor of the
gods resolved to secure this charm if possible, and so he sent his own son
Kacha to Sukra in order that he might learn it from him by becoming
his pupil. So Kacha went to Sukra but the demons fearing le^^t he ;
should master the lore, murdered him and mixed his ashes with Sukru's
beverage and offered him as a drink to their preceptor. Kacha was
drank in by Sukra. But at the intercession of his daughter Devayani,
w.io had fallen in love with the youth, Kacha to Sukra promised to restore
counsel got the better of Sukra. The last portion of the history as given
22
i;o KAMANDAKIYA NlTlSARA.
% The first part of the sloka bristles with bad readmgs, for which
the commentary reads,
" Asikshitanayas Singha Hantivain Kevalant Valdt,"
This reading we have accepted.
§ The word in the text is "who can see."
II
The original word is Updya which means, the measures of policy
to be used against a foe, viz conciliation &c'(vide an earlier note).
5f The commentator explains, 'should march against him.'
** The original phrase lit translated would be, "one who knows
: the
taste of only one liquor viz Vikratna or power."
fl What the author means to say is, that mere power, energy or
valour, whatever it might be called, is not sufficient to secure success
in any undertaking. The advantages of time and policy cannot safely
be overlooked; those who overlook them and think that unaided
Vikrama will give them success, and act accordingly, reap only grief and
disappointment for their pains.
§
the first line here. We translate the three Slokas in order to preserve
II
The commentary reads Bodhydmigataya for Bodhanugataya.
The original lit : rendered will be "by intelligence guided by knowledge
or prudence."
*\ The original lit ; translated will be, as the commentator says^
'one whose footsteps are pure.'
172 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
transgression.
foolishness. :j:
handicapped by fate.||
should (in the first instance) put forth his exertions, the rest
lies with Fate which can cut him short at any stage,
43. A wise Vijigisu after critically reviewing his own
pensably necessary ; this part lit : rendered will be "If when only com-
menced, an act meets with reverse results."
This part literally translated will be, "whose manliness
II
is separated
from him by Fate." After this, one Sloka is again omitted of which the
translation is given below \-^
"Just as a chariot cannot move on one wheel, so Destiny unaided by
human exertion can yield no fruit." Luck and labour must ijo hand in
three Saktis, the advantages of the season and soil, the signs of coming
victory or defeat indicated by planets, birds &c.
though for the time being it does not bring any friendship with it.'
§ The original word lit : translated would be, "who is the friend
of success."
II
That is 'violent means.' The author means to say that know-
ledge is a more powerful agent than violence in bringing about success.
But sometimes 'violence' may be used also. There are several minor
changes in reading suggested by the commentator.
^ The word is Sampat i. e. wealth in the shape of territory or
49. Here (in the earth of ours) there is nothing that is in-
in the means employed to turn it into usefulness lies the true worth
ef the thing.
f This and the previous Sloka are not to be found in the original
before us. The first line of the first Sloka is sometimes differently read.
kingdom.
II
Counsel is here compared to a seed out 'of which the tree of
royalty grows.
of the kings ;
while it preservation preserves therrt excels
lently.*
concentrates all its energy before it takes the final spring. So also
should a king do. The author means to say the movements and plans of
a king should not even be known to the members of his own family
before they are actually put into action. Strict secrecy should be impose
ed here and in all other matters of state.
II
A counsel ejitending over a long period is in greater danger of
being betrayed than one extending over a short while.
^ What the author means is that when any deliberation or counsel
is to be held regarding any undertaking, these things namely the
support in the shape of men, munition and magnificence, the means,
the advantages or otherwise of time and territory, the advent of any
unforeseen event and final success, should be given the best considertion
to. The king should see whether he is well supported, whether his
means are eflficient enough, whether the advantages of soil and season
are in his favor, whether there is change for any untoward event to cut
him short and whether there is any doubt about the final success. The
fifth or last part is not mentioned in the text.
—
&c., comes." \Vhat|he means to say is that spies and ambassadors and
ministers should watch the movements of the foe and the Uddsina &c.,
and at the right moment should fall upon tliem, employing: measures,
11
It is believed that the mind can intuitively become aware of the
70. A counsel that has not \<ri found its way among the
people, should be mutually preserved (by the king, the
ministers, spies, &c.) A counsel that is not scrupulously pre-
served, is given publicity to, \>y the friends and relatives (of
the counselors;.
II
For the text word, the commentator substitutes, Nirbhinndu'
iarasamsraye which reading we have accepted.
^ Purification of the body before going to do something important,
is considered to add to the powers of the mind, which belief can not be
looked upon as purile in view of the subtle and inexplicable relation
between the material and the psychical. This sloka is omitted in the
text.
§ J
charges.
Shastras.
II
Lit: "Enter into" hence, comprehend &c.
^ The first line is vicious, for which the commentator substitutes :
his acts.
SECTION XII.
a king's ambassador.
Ambassadors are said to be of three kinds, viz., those
3.
* There is a pun on the word Mantra which means both counsel and
charms and incantations for taming snakes.
t Lit: "Skilful in counsel."
P
The original word is Pvagalva.
^ That is when he was deputed
a plenipotentiary, such was Krishna
by Yudhisthira to negotiate with king Dhuryodhana.
** This class of ambassadors, as the commentator says, can do
nothing of their own accord. Thier conduct is prescribed for them by
their soveriegn, whose orders they are unable to put aside.
ff These are ordinary messengers who merely repeat what they are
instructed by their masters, and nothing more or less.
kamandakiya nitisara. 183
* The last portion is not so clear. What the author means seems
to be that in respect of rank a plenipotentiary is superior to an ambas-
sador with limited powers and so on. But tliis is self-evident.
•j" compound some
For this substitute Swaleachyapnra 7'dkynndm,
which means 'his own as well as others' words.' This change of reading
is not necessary.
strengthens the antithesis in the last portion what the author menns \% ;
this,— that an ambassador should not like a spy covertly enter an enemies
dominions but would do so with his open permission.
II
What the author means is that the ambassador should not lie even
—
§
when h'is life is threatened j it is his duty to dehver the message he has
been entrusted with, without the slightest mutilation.
* The text-word lit; means 'falling off hence 'want of allegi-
ance' &<;.
+ The author means this, that when an ambassador comes to know
that the enemy's Prakritis are not what they should be, he sliould not let
the fact take the air, but should himself take advantage of it and covertfy
do what would be conducive to the good of his master,
favor of the foe, ttie ambassador should praise him saying that he is in
no way inferior to the Vijigisu his master. For Falena the commeentary
reads Kulena, which reading we have accepted.
The original worH means 'one receiving wages from
II
both sides.'
11
What the author means is this that as soon as the messenger or
whatever he may be called— finds that there is a section among the
enemy's subjects that may be weaned over, he will at once begin to work
by pointing out the superiority of his own emplo3'er over their sovereign
in every respect. The word 'alienable' has been used for the word
Vedya which lit: means that which may be easily penetrated, or separated
^ For, in anger and in lust a man looses himself, and knows not
what he does.
** The author prohibits this, as he thinks that the messenger may be
a sumnumbulist and he may speak out his mind during sleep.
24
§
eent messenger. He should make the best use of that time by studying
the state of the enemy's Raj in various ways.
+ Another meanmg is possible viz. if any calamity overtake the —
enemy, affording a good opportunity for his rivals of fall upon him.'
+ Durino^ the progress of any of these undertakings, the ambassador
has everv chance of lighting upon some secret or of getting hold of some
thino- likely to be beneficial t.) the interests of his own master.
§ The author means to say that if the ambassador finds no flaw in
tlie enemy, he should not despair but content himself with the thought
that even the enemy himself may one day march against his master,
when the informations gathered by him would be turned to profit.
II
The translation is free. The author means in case to say that the
ambassador finds the'enemy deffering every thing to a future period, he
should seek an explanation of this conduct in another direction viz.,
whether or not the enemy is gaining time to deprive his rival of the
away, the opponent will have to await long for another such opportunity.
KAMANDAKIYA NlTiSARA. 187
at large).
1 88 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
for they are the eyes of the king, that enable him to look at
distant things.^
23. In order to penetrate into and divulge the secret
of secrets of the;^enemy, one (a spy) should cautiously and
covertly watch his (enemy's) movements. A ruler of earth,
asleep.
29. A king should have all his and his enemy's domini-
ons pervaded with spies who resemble the sun in energy
that remain at a distance" ! The author means that the spies are the
medium through which a king perceives tilings that being away from his
own sight, cannot be directly perceived by him. The idea of descri-
binof spies as the king's distant eyes is a very favorite one witli the
Sanskrit poets.
J What the author means is this that although the king sleeps yet
his emissaries are wide awake and are working ; so when he wakes up
he will come to know everything important that may have transpired
;|: That is, wiio act and move in as imperceptible a manner as the
wind.
§ That is, whatever, he should do, should be done in consultation
with the spies who always look to the state of affairs for him.
II
That is, even in the performance of ordinary work. Just as a blind
man stumbles even on level grounds, so does a king meet with
difficulties in all undertaking when he does not use the spies as his
eyes.
— f
are mentioned viz the Hotri, the Udgatri, the Adhvaryu and the
^ What the author means is this that the spies ordinarily simulate
the appearances of these persons, when they roam through the enemy's
=f< For Vala of t^e text the annotator gives Vanih, and explains it
to mean a 'foreigner.'
j- There is a pun upon the words Jdgran and Susiipta here. The
author means, a king ignorant of the movements of his rivals is as
good as one asleep, although he may literally be awake and working.
Such carelessness results in his being subjugated ; and his inactive
Sloka is as follows :
even an innocent Muni (sage) does his
own duties, he creates thereby three parties viz., friends, foes,
and neutrals."
f
* Lit : 'And thus should he fill up the gaps i.e., holes or weak
points of his administration.
\ This Sloka is omitted in the text. The commentntor explains the
last part thus — the anger and disaffection of the subjects and servants
are as it^were the breach through wliich the enemy effects his entrance.
India.
II
The commentary here reads KaraCas which means 'tliose versed
in fine arts.'
his enemir's false, so these latter also try to pay him back
in his own coin, by engaging!! spies to watch over him.
Thus ends the twelfth section, the rules regarding em-
bassies and the spies, in the Nitisara of Kamandaka.
\ Tlie last line is vicious in the text — the eommentary gives, Kart-
tavya Rasada which reading we accept.
§ For Murchchita of the text the commentary gives Mudriiais.
H
For Viyujyamdna the commentary reads Niyujjamdna.
—
SECTION XIII.
25
^94 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
wicked wife.
blessing).
\ The author's meaning seems to be this that the more you add fuel
to the fire the more its flames blaze forth ; so, the more a king exerts
II
Lit ; iion-like conduet' i, e. ever active and man!)- conduct.
— —
KAMANDAKIYA NFTiSARA. ^95
fueds.
—
gradation) ;
and therefore the Vyasanas should be avoided (as
much as pos*-'! j. i
23. "
-s, floods, famine, prevalence of diseases, and
plagL rind pe«;ti!.^nc'.^ — these are the five kinds of the Vyasa-
nas (calamities) that proceed from Fate ; the rest come from
human sources.
21. The evils proceedino; from Fate ^honld be averted
hv means of manly efforts and the celebration of propitia-
25. A
whose minister possessed by the Vyasanas
kinsr
is weaned over (by the foe) * becomes incapable of resistinir
the enemy by the apolicHtion of the me-asures of
policy, like
a bird incapable of flyinrr wlien its wings are cut off.
forces of its own side, all these acts proceed from the army.
'
ihe king and his people lose all respect an*d chance of safety.
i
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. xgtf
acts (such as, testing the strength of armours &c), ability for
his own rule, (or to means for the success of his under-
takings), acquisition of allies and the chastisement of the
enemies,
50. The protection of his sons and wives and his own-
self, entertaining amicable feelings towards his relatives and
friends, the promotion of such measures of revenue on which
his own material progress depends,
51. Infliction of hardships on the wicked, and to afford
righteousness,
52. Prohibition of evil deeds and the promotion of good
ones, the giving away of tilings fit to be given, and the ac-
cumulation of those that should not be parted with,
53. Withholding of punishment from those who do not
deserve them, and the infliction of them on those who
rightly merit them, acceptance of things acceptable and the
•
rejection of those unacceptable,
women, and for hunting, and gambling (at the dice), — these
are the Vyasanas of a king.
ent countries, to have thorns (?'. <?., spies &c., set by the foe)
sides and without any egresss, must also hght (out its own
way).
74. An unhonored army when duly honoured, will fight ;
ing well.
85. An army with the enemy within its ranks, will not
fight ; but when these thorns (the foes) are removed, it will
l0wed to travel with them, they fight reluctantly, ever watchful for saving
their lives whose^importance is enhanced as they look upon their objects
of affection. But when these latter are farjawa}', the soldiers in the excite-
ment of the battle, totally forget them and fight heedless of their lives,
lowing it.*
objects of existence.
Thus ends the thirteenth chapter, the description of the
vyasanas and the means for remedying them, in the Nitisar
of Kamandaka.
I The text word lit : rendered would be " whose holes are filled
anger.
7. Excessive indulgence in hunting, gambling (at dice),
seworthy.
13. A king hard (cruel), in the infliction of punishments
excites (fear in the heart of) the people ; thus troubled, they
seek the protection of the enemy.
24. In this way affording shelter to the people, the enemy
rises to power ; and a powerful enemy causes destruction. For
these reasons, a monarch should not excite (the anxiety of)
his subjects.
Tejasvinani dipayati.
S The word Sarblii in the text is a misprint for Sadbhi. Danda is the
last of the four expedients of foregn policy (vide Supra).
;
polity.
enemy ;
danger of falling a prey to bears, serpents, elephants,
to be an emendation true.
and expenditure
f The word lit means some flaw : in the collection
unnecessarily expended.
27
2^10 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
of rulers of earlh.
'ft.* 25. Indefatigability, physical exercise, the cure of phlegm
fat and indigestion, and excellent sureness in shooting ar-
35. It should
be beautified with creepers crested with
flowers and blossoms within easy reach, and should be
adorned with nice little plants growing on the sides of the
ditches.
40. When the monarch enters the park for sport, then
those good results that have been said by the wise to proceed
from hunting.
42. Regarding hunt, these are the rules that I point out.
Transgressing these, a king should not go about hunting like
* The Sloka bristles with bad reading^s. For Tadbanan read Tat-
ianam, and for bliuvibhutnye read bhtitayebhavet.
202 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
* The Lokapdlas are the divine Regents that are supposed to rule
over the quarters of heaven.
Nala was a very noble-minded and virtuous king-. He was
f
chosen by Damayanti, inspite of the opposition of gods, and they lived
happily for some years. But Kali a god, who was disappointed in
securing her hand, resolved to persecute Nala, and entered into his
person. Thus affected, he played at dice with his brother, and having lost
everything, he with his wife was banished from the kingdom. One day
while wandering through the wilderness, he adandoned his almost naked
wife and went away. Subsequently he was deformed by the serpent
Korkotaka and thus deformed entered the service of king Rituparna as a
horse-groom under the name of Vahuka. Subsequently, with the assis-
tance of this king, he regained his beloved and they led a happy life.
(Apte).
other was enraged, and broke his teeth with a blow of the dice, iiie
allusion is obscure.
214 KAMANDAKIYA NIIISARA.
*
For Samabhhayam the commentary gives Samdhnyam which
reading we accept.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 115
dangers,
66. These are the seven kinds of rampant evils retard-
* The Vrishnis and the Andhakas, were the two offshoots of the
Yadu dynasty. When at Probhasa, they drank too much, and tlien slew
one another through excessive intoxication. The story is contained in
the Mahabharata.
f Kacha was VrihaspRti's son. He went to Sukra to master the
secret lore of reviving the dead. But the Asuras becoming jealous of
him, slew him, and when Sukra was intoxicated, offered Kacha's cooked
flesh to him. He ate up without knowing what he was eating. For a
but tlie wise monarcli who is free from the influence of the
.tO»-
SECTION XV.
I V REE
jL from the influences of the' Vyasanas, and
fully possessed of the matchless regal powers, a ruler of
whose temples the fragrant ichor exudesj and who are capable
of rendering asunder rocks with the stndce of their tusks.
11. One elephant, duly equipt, trained in the ways
of war and ridden by the bravest of persons, is capable of
slaying six thousand well-caparisoned horses.
12. Armies having elephants in them, are sure to achieve
success on water, on land, in narrow defiles crowded with
trees, on ordinary, even or uneven grounds, and in such
28
— :
hartnya is a mansion).
'^\
f
* Lit :
— proceeding from Mantra or counsel.
f Prakopa^lil: means the morbid irritation or disorder of anything it ;
is usually preceded by such words as Vdi, pitta kc, which are tht
humours of the body.
—
that which has sought the kings protection, that which has
been created by some act or other, that which arises out of
king, his efforts to fill up the holes {i.e., redeem the weak-
nesses) of the king, and by his conversations regarding the
richness, energy and courage of the monarch.
30. One of high lineage, straight-forward, learned in
(king's) self.
to be understood.
t
37. At night, the owl kills, the crow ; and the crow
kills the owl when night passes away. Therefore a king
should set out on an expedition marking well the (advantages
or disadvantages of tlie) seasons. It is in proper season that
attempts are crowned with success.
38. A dog can overpower a crocodile when it is on land,
and the crocodile can overpower the dog when it is in
supply of food and for the support of the allies ; which would
abound in water, and whose watery expanses would be
f We confess we have not been able to make out any very good
construction of this and the preceeding sloka — what we have embodied in
the translation is a clumsy and forced one, but it is calculated to give the
reader some idea of the author's meaning.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISaRA. 223
and whence the sick and wounded wood not shrink back.
43. Those incorrigible fools who without much delibera-
tion, rashly enter into the enemy's territory which is lonij
way off, soon feel the touch of the edge of the enemy's
sword.
44. Posting sentries on the route and in the canip,
arranging duly for his safety, and with brave warriors Iving
by his side ready for action, a king should enjoy a balmy
sleep undisturbed by dreams.
has gone over to the enemy's side forsakii\^ his former alle-
giance, the movements should be watcftb<i, when he conies
near armed with weapons.
57. One possessed of the power of counsel and desirin<j
his own advancement, should at first hold »leiiberate counsels
(and then undertake any act). P.iwr-r of counsel is of greater
importance than that of the arms [i.e. brute force). Indra con-
quered the Asuias through the power of his better counsel.
58. A wise monarch conversant with the principles of
polity should in the proper season undertake an act, being
guided by Ids keen at\d pure intelligence, and putting for-
61. Thus with his best efforts and his mind totally con-
29
....
SECTION XVI.
^'
IViARCHING into the vicinity of the enemy's town,
« king acquainted with the ways of encamping, should pilch
his camps on ground's recommended by the wise.
* Sringdiam lit: means a crossing or where four roads cut one another.
Hence ihe signtficatioa enribodied above. It may also mean elevated.
KAMANDAKIYA NlTISARA; 2I7
centrolled soldiers. 1
—
22$ kamandakiya nitisara.
in its absence, try to get a middling one ; but never, for the
sake of success, use the worst place, which is no better
than a place 01 imprisonment.
23. A camp — which seems to be within the clutches of
some body, where numerous diseases prevail, where suddenly
hostilities spring up, and heavy frosts fall,
* Fajnakshatra — may mean the moon ; but we are not sure. The
allusion is to the belief that when certain star are seen in certain positions
it portends evil and no act is to be undertakcns while llieir influence
lasts.
•f
Punyahas mean auspicious days — here meani the prayer for
it
an auspicious day. — May this be an auspicious day, the Hindus rise from
Ihcir beds with this prayer on their lips.
230 KAMANDAKIYA NITI^ARA.
said to be Skandhabara.
39. Tlie destructions of the privillions, the clothing, the
drinking water and the food grains, and of the supporting
troops of the allies, — these are said to be the deaths of the
Skandhabara ; — these therefore should be carefully guarded
against.
40. Thus the army should be carefully encamped and
its oood or bad state viewed ; this (good or bad condition)
should al'^o be carefully watched with regard to the enemy's
army. When no evil omens would be seen, a king should
begin (action).
Thus ends the sixteenth section, the desseration on en-
camping, in the Nitisdra of Kamandaki.
-%jOn-
SECTION XVII.
are ihe kings favorites, and those who stand very much in
the way
dealt with secretly
of the material
(/. e.
prosur-rity
water tec.
J
f The sons of Pandu were ever for peace and conciliation. But
the sons of Dhritarastra stubbornly refused all overtures —so much so,
that they declined to give even [five villages only to the five Pandav*
•brothers. They were completely ruined and slain in the battle that
followed — ^the great battle of Kurukshetra.
were fast friends. Once upon a time Devayani and Sarmistha went ta
bathe keeping their clothes on the shore. But the god Wind changed
their clothes —and when they were dressed began to quarrel about
tliey
the change — Sarmistha so far forgot herself that she slapped her
until
companion on the cheek — and threw her into a weW. There she rernained
wntil she was seen and rescued by Yayati who married her with fche
consent of father-; and Sarmistha v/as ordered to be her servant as a
Tecompense for the insulting conduct she offered to Devayani.
3®
f
{• These people do not fee! for the king, and may be weaned over by
the offer of petty advantages. The v;ord may mean also those who —
«re procrastinating.
% That is, whose existence have been blasted and who have no love
for life.
grass.
4r. Supported by faithful allies and favored by the
advantages of the soil and the season, and inflamed with
energy, a king should drive his enemy to destruction by open
attack, even like king Yudhisthira himself.
Some time after this, king Kartaviryya went to the herraitage of liis
father and c-*rried off his cow. But Parasurama when he returned home
fought with the king and killed him. The sons of the Kartaviryya
hearing of the fate of their father, came to Parasurama's hermitage and
shot his father dead in his absence. Thereupon Parasurama made the
dreadful vow of exterminating the whole Kshatriya race. He succeeded
in ridding the earth twenty one times of the warrior race. He is said
to have penetrated through the Krouncha mountain. He is one of those
who will never die — and is believed at present to be engaged in austeri-
made between Kichaka and Draupadi that they should meet in the
dancing- hall of the palace at night ;
pursuant to this appointment Bhima
disguised as Draupadi went there and when Kichaka tried to embrace
him taking him for Draupadi — he was crushed to death.
* This allusion is obscure.
•uOn-
SECTION XVIII.
Brahmanas and with the planets and the stars shining propi-
tious, a king should march towards the foe, with his %\%
kinds of troops arrayed in due order.
KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA. 241
opinion.
8. The low forest tribes, are by nature faithless, greedy,
and sinful ; for this reason, the weaned over troops of the
enemy are better than they, who are wild and undiscip-
lined.
by the foe. From his own side also, a king should commence
intriguing, for intrigue is ever sure to give victory.*
11. An enemy highly powerful in consequence of his
being possessed of Moula troops swelling with energy and
faithful in allegiance, should be encountered with the same
kind of troops capable of enduring loss and destruction.
12. When the march would be long, or the campaign
will be a protracted one, a king should proceed with the
Moulas duly protected. The Moulas being of long standing
are capable of bearing up against loss and destruction.
troops; for when they are worn out with the toils of the
protracted'march or campaign, their alienation (by the foe)
may be apprehended.
14. When the troops of the enemy are numerous, when
the fatigue and toil are excessive and protracted, and when
the army is always sent abroad and put to difficult tasks — its
Moula troops the king should meet with his own Moula troops.
\ The translation is free.
KAMANDAKIYA NlTlSARA. 243
24. These are the six kinds of troops and these con-
stitute a army together with the cavalry, infantry,
complete
car-warriors and elephants. Such an army supported by
the power of counsel and a solvent treasury constitutes a
Sadajiga vala or an army of six members.
ing and duelling with swords, and can move with agility,
to pass,)
weather, hot, cold, and rainy, who can bear up against alarms
and weariness and who gives asurances of safety to tlie good,
troops should march in the van ; the king and his camp,
'
should flank.
47. The accomplished general thus having placed every
body in the front should march slowly in the rear, arranging
the host of troops, and breathing comfort to the wounded
and the weak.
48. When there should be danger in the van, the troops
should be disposed of in the Makara (crocodile-shaped), or
in the two-winged Syena or (hawk-shaped), or in the Siichi
(needle-shaped) array and then marched forward.
49. When there would be danger in the rear, the Saksita
(or chariot-shaped) array should be formed ;
when the danger
would be in the flanks, the array called Vajra should be
formed; and in all situation the array known as Sarvato-
preparing their meal, when they are not in the proper ground
and are not prepared for attack ; when they are afflicted
with the fear of thieves and fire, and when they are over-
taken by rain and storm,
53. When all these calamities overtake his army, a king
should protect it; but when the hostile troops are overtaken
by them, he should fall upon them and annihilate them.
54. Having effected an alienation between the foe and
his Prakritis and with the advantages of the season and
the soil in his favour, a king should fight a pitched battle ;
be drawn), slay this latter from the front, falling upon him
with the best part of his troops. In this way the flanks also
spies.
SECTION XIX.
I.
. O go in front in all marches, to first enter into
forests and difficult tracts, to create roads and passages where
there are none,
2. To descend into and swim over watery expanses, to
conquer the body-guards (consitituting a part of the enemy's
army), to break through united ranks, and to gather to their
own side the routed troops,
*
The son of Drona promised to Duryodhana to slay the sons of
32
250 KAMANDAKIYA NITISARA.
army, the Kotee and the Jaghana,^ these are the functions of
the horse. Of infantry the functions are always to be armed
with weapons,
6. To purifyt the and the passages, the roads and
pits
the tents, and to know the stock of fodder and food and
everything like Viswakarma;': himself.
y. High lineage, youthful age, the tact of knowing other
creature's heart, prowess, skilfulness, promptitude resolute-
ness and the inclination for the performauce of good acts,
•*
Kutee and JagUana are certain parts of tlie Vyuha or arm}'.
''-fao-Jiana h-"s a spcacial meaning \iz., the rear guard or tlie reserved
poition of the avmy.
\ The word 'purify' is here used in a metaphorical way, it means "to
clear of the foe."'
13. The grounds for the chariots, the horses and the
elephants should be steady and hard. The wise should
not consider that the grounds for the horses are not for
elephants.
delicate trees which the elephants may eat up) and creepers
to be rooted out, which is free from mire, and is fertile and
rough, where there are accessible hillocks, such are grounds
for the elephants.
three.
of polity.
or to the
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