Panchatantra: A reflex of Arthashastra

by M. N. Indrani | 2003 | 42,495 words

The essay studies the Panchatantra in relation to the Arthashastra by proposing that that Indian fable literature divides into educative and entertaining narratives, both traced back to the sacred Vedic texts. It highlights the 'Pancatantra' and its kin as representative of educative stories promoting ethical conduct and worldly wisdom through tale...

The Adoption of Samsraya (Alliance)

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Samsraya being the fifth policy means seeking protection of another king (). Analysing the meaning of Samsraya or alliance Kautilya explains that when a king feels himself not strong enough, either to harass his enemy's works or to defend his own against enemy's attack, then he should seek protection from a king of superior power and endeavor to pass from the 42. mahanapyekajo vrksah balavansupratisthitah | prasahya iva vatena sakyo dharsayitum yatah || atha ye samhata vrksah sarvatah supratisthitah | te na raudranilenapi hanyante hyekasamsrayat || evam manusyamapyekam sauryanapi samanvitam | 1 sakyam dvisanto manyante himsanti ca tatah param || Pancatantra, Kakolukiya, verse 53, 54, 55, p.14. -

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187 stage of deterioration to that of stagnancy and from the latter to that of progress.43 Upholding another phase of the Samsraya, Kautilya asserts that "of two powerful kings who are on amicable terms with each other, a king should make alliance with one of them who likes him and whom he likes; this is the best way of making alliance."44 Keeping these disciplines of Samsraya in the mind, Visnusarma highlights them in his own words though few in number. Ciranjivi one of the ministers of Meghavarna, on being asked by the latter, gives his opinion about Meghavarna's action against Arimardana, in the frame of the Samsraya or alliance. He explains the nature thereof with illustrations. He putsforth the idea of Samsraya with interrogation to lay more emphasis on this kind of policy in the following words. What can a person who is capable enough, if be unassisted, accomplish in his life? Because the fire though blazing gets extinguished by itself in an airless place. 45 - 43. yadi va manyeta - "nasmi saktah parakarmanyupahantam, svakarmopaghatam va tratum " iti balavattaramasritah svakarmanusthanena ksayat sthanam sthanadvrddhim cakanksata | Arthasastra, VII Adhikarana (Sadgunyam), I Adhyaya, p.329. 44. priyo yasya bhavedyo va'priyo'sya katarastayoh | 'priyo yasya sa tam gacchedityasrayagatih para || Arthasastra, VII Adhikarana (Sadgunyam), II Adhyaya, p.332. 45. asahayah samartho'pi tejasvi kim karisyati | nirvate jvalito vahnih svayameva prasamyati || Pancatantra, Kakolukiya, verse - 56, p.14.

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188 Beholding Kautilya's statement "of the two powerful kings on amicable terms alliance be made with each other", Visnusarma remarks as below: It is beneficial to both the kings to make alliance and to remain together (on some terms of amicability); rice without husk does not grow. Similarly if there is no cause for misunderstanding, then one king does not get agitated at the other one.46 Disclosing the truth of alliance or friendship between two kings, the following words remark - "The wind becomes the assistant of the fire that burns forests; but the same wind puts out a lamp; who has friendship for the lean."47 This view is further substantiated: "Just as a bamboo growing in a cluster thick and surrounded by other bamboos, cannot be cut down, so a'king 46. sangatih sreyasi pumsam svapekse ca visesatah | gdefa qfcuer a mielai augan: || Pancatantra, Kakolukiya, verse - 57, p.14. 47. vanani dahato vahneh sakhibhavati marutah | " • sa eva dipanasaya krse kasyasti sauhrdam || Pancatantra, Kakolukiya, verse - 58, p.14.

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189 who has a number of assistants cannot be destroyed though weak.48 Concluding the importance of alliance, Ciranjivi said - "To whom is the company of a great man not elevating? i.e. whom will it not elevate or raise in rank, the water lying on a lotus-leaf possesses the lustre of a pearl. 49 Thus, Visnusarma's treatment of the Samsraya or alliance may be found in perfect harmony with Kautilya's remarks.

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