Agreement of Peace for the Acquisition of Land

Agreement of Peace for the Acquisition of Land mentions the condition "let us acquire land" which is an agreement for peace. Chapter X of book VI in Arthashastra mentions that whoever acquires a fertile and rich land always intends to overreaches the other; as such a positive end is searched with a positive contract. Kautilya in this chapter makes a difference between the types of land and their preference on the basis security. It has been mentioned that a land which is rich shall always attract enemies who are either powerful and strong or powerless and weak. In both the cases it affects the security of the land.

Agreement of Peace for the Acquisition of Land further mentions that in case of acquiring a land which is rich, whoever acquires it shall overthrow his enemy and acquisition of land will not be only acquisition of rich land but the vast area which shall further demand overthrowing all the enemies of the surrounding area. Whosoever thus captures the land shall; also be eligible to capture the fort as well and secure the boundary of the area. Thus, Kautilya differentiates acquisition of land which is rich with constant enemy attack and a sterile land near to temporary enemy. Kautilya prefers that it is always better to possess a land with moderate fertility which shall keep the enemy at a distance whereas a land with rich fertility will attract constant enemy for its richness which shall bring insecurity in the boundaries of the area.

Agreement of Peace for the Acquisition of Land further differentiates between small land and big land or extensive piece of land in which a small land is better as it is easy to acquire, protect and defend which is reverse for the other type. In case of acquiring a land from a stupid king is better than a wise king as it can be easily acquired and securing from the stupid king whereas the possession from a wise king shall be complicating.

Thus, with Agreement of Peace for the Acquisition of Land Kautilya stresses on such agreement and possession of land which is easy to acquire and maintain. The ideal type of land which Kautilya insist should be small, moderately fertile and easy to secure.