Political Science · Indian Political Thought
UGC NET December 2023 Political Science
According to Manu, which of the following is NOT a foundation of diplomacy and statecraft?
AHostility ✓ Correct
BNeutrality
CSubordinate Alliance
DContract
Correct answer: (A) Hostility — Manu treats neutrality, subordinate alliance and contract as legitimate foundations of statecraft, so hostility is the one that does not belong.
Explanation
★Manu treats neutrality, subordinate alliance and contract as legitimate foundations of statecraft, so hostility is the one that does not belong.
★Manu's diplomacy rests on the saptanga (seven-limb) theory of the state and the mandala (circle of kings) idea, where a ruler manages neighbours through graded relations rather than open enmity.
★Neutrality (asana) means staying impartial in a conflict to preserve one's own strength and peace.
★Subordinate alliance (sandhi of the weaker kind) binds a smaller power to a stronger one for mutual security and benefit.
★Contract refers to formal, negotiated agreements that secure cooperation between states.
★Hostility (vigraha, open conflict) is rejected here because Manu's statecraft prefers stability, dharma and ordered alliances over war.
★Manusmriti, attributed to Manu and Bhrigu, devotes its seventh chapter to the duties and functions of the king and the theory of kingship.
★In Manu's scheme the king applies saam (conciliation), daam (gift), danda (force) and bheda (dissension), turning to force only after the first three have failed.
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