Home > Indian History > History of India > End of the Sixfold Policy
End of the Sixfold Policy
End of the Sixfold Policy as mentioned in Book VII mainly includes the policy of diplomacy of the king as well as his relationship with the neighbouring kings and the nature of all the kings involved in the war against a common enemy.

Share this Article:

End of the Sixfold Policy includes the strategies according to which the state is to function externally. It further mentions the role of three ruler in doing all that is required at the end of six fold policies which includes nature of alliances, nature of movement of army according to the requirement, resting on peace and war by adopting double policy, attitude of assailable enemy and friends that deserve help, agreements regarding acquisition of gold, land and interminable agreement which is followed by the an assessment of enemies in the rear as well as assessing the attitudes of conquered kings who exist after the war.

Six fold policies as mentioned in Arthashastra include the circle of states which functions as the source of six fold policies. The six fold includes peace (sandhi), war (vigraha), observance of neutrality (asana), marching (yana), alliances (samsraya) and making peace with one and waging war with another. Kautilya lays down these conditions according to which the king is supposed to assess his own situation and then decide his plan of action.

End of the Sixfold Policy also mentions the nature of alliances which can be made within the two nations. The courses of alliance are always preferable when the advantages derived from peace and war is of equal nature and disadvantages are larger. In case of neutrality and war the situation for double alliance is more profitable which on one side equips the king to recover his resources and at the same time destroys the army and other resources of his enemy.

Among the other chapters the book discusses separately the nature of the inferior and superior kings as to who can be regarded as inferior and who can be regarded as superior and what all roles can be discharged by each. In case of marching against each other when two of whom one is assailable and the other is a strong enemy then the king with a strong enemy is supposed to charge first. In case of army, Kautilya suggests that it is easier to wage a war against the army which is full of lust and greed as they will loose on their own as impoverished with greed and list the army themselves get corrupted. Hence, Kautilya claims that no king should give; room to such causes as would bring about impoverishment, greed or disaffection among his people. If, however, they appear, he should at once take remedial measures against them.

End of six fold path deals with the various articles which are to take shape after the provision for war is ascertained. This includes agreement on acquisition of friends, gold, land interminable agreements as well as agreement to undertake work. It then takes into consideration the nature of the enemy at the rear, how to regain the lost power and the attitudes of conquered army, conquered king along with the attitude of Madhya king, the Neutral king and the circle of states.

Thus end of six fold unveils all the diplomatic strategies applied by a ruler to run his administration. The rules stated within the six fold have remained perpetual through out the history of ancient India which is regarded as the biggest contribution made by the Maurya Empire in the 4th century BC.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.