Sandhi: Treaties and Alliances

Sandhi (treaty/peace) is the first of the Shadgunya (six measures). Not all treaties are equal - Kautilya classifies them by relative power: treaties with equals, stronger parties, or weaker parties each require different terms. This chapter explores Kapala Sandhi (subordination treaty), Samana Sandhi (equal treaty), Upagraha Sandhi (submission), hostage exchanges, tributary arrangements, and when to break treaties honorably.

Lessons in this chapter

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