Neutrality after Proclaiming War observes three conditions during which a king can choose to remain silent and observe sthana. Firstly, when two kings who are bent upon making conquests on each other, are desirous of peace and are unable to go against each other anymore may choose to remain silent or keep quiet and observe the position of sthana. Secondly when a superior king finds it possible to put down another king's army possibly the enemy king's army either with the help of his own army or with the help of neighbouring king's army, then again he may choose to remain quite; and thirdly when the king is confident about the strength of his own army, and his own subjects who are brave, united, prosperous, and are able to carry not only their own work without any interference but also harass his enemy's work; the king may decide to remain quiet after proclaiming war. Again if the king finds his army to be ill treated, impoverished and greedy, and are ever being oppressed by the inroads of army, thieves and wild life, then in order to protect his people he may choose to remain silent. Also Arthashastra lays down some more conditions like suffering from famine or forced to get involved with intrigues, in such conditions the king may choose to remain silent. Thus, Kautilya suggests that neutrality is one such step which is always preferable till it provides productive ends with unfavourable conditions. As soon as the king regains his power by observing neutrality for some time then he shall wage a war against his enemy. The policy of neutrality does not prohibit a king from waging war ever in future rather it is only a temporary step for some time. |