Kanika's Political Counsel (Mahabharata Series 48)

Kanika's Political Counsel (Mahabharata Series 48)

Kanika continued his discourse, explaining how a king should conduct himself when confronted with adversity.

“Adversity is a common occurrence in life. It does not announce its arrival or seek anyone’s permission before descending upon them. Even the most vigilant person cannot always escape misfortune. When adversity strikes, enemies may humiliate one’s close associates and trusted companions right before one’s eyes. Even while witnessing such insults, one must remain as though blind. An unfortunate person may be subjected to criticism and reproach from many quarters. Even while hearing such harsh words, one must remain as though deaf.

“If one attempts to retaliate while lacking the strength to do so, one may not even survive. When one is powerless, one must regard the weapon in one’s hand as no more than a blade of grass. One must wait patiently for the appropriate moment and take revenge only when the time is favourable.”

“When an enemy falls into one’s power, he must be destroyed through suitable means. One must not show compassion merely because the enemy has surrendered.”

Kanika then quoted a verse:

“Nirudvigno hi bhavati na hatāj jāyate bhayam |

Hanyād amitraṁ dānena tathā pūrvāpakāriṇam ||”

“There is no fear from an enemy who has been slain. Those who are hostile, as well as those who have caused harm in the past, should be brought under control by offering wealth to their attendants and dependants, and then destroyed—even through the use of poison, if necessary. For, according to this doctrine, a king can enjoy peace of mind only when his enemies have been eliminated.”

Kanika continued:

“One must invade the enemy’s city and seize his wealth. The enemy’s close associates should be won over through gifts of food, betel, money, and other offerings. Through them, the enemy should be humiliated and his confidence weakened. One must gather information about everything taking place within his capital.

“The ministers, kingdom, fortifications, treasury, and army constitute the principal strengths of a king. These must be weakened and destroyed through the application of the four traditional strategies—conciliation, gifts, division, and punishment—as well as through methods such as confinement, poison, and fire. In this manner, the enemy must be prevented from ever rising to power again.”

He offered an analogy:

“When the roots of a mighty tree are cut, its branches and tender shoots cannot survive. In the same way, once the principal enemy has been destroyed, his close associates can be eliminated with ease.”

Kanika then recited another verse:

“Ekāgrāḥ syād avivṛto nityaṁ vivara-darśakaḥ |

Rājan nityaṁ sapatneṣu nityodvignaḥ samācaret ||”

“A king must remain focused on the destruction of his enemies, never revealing the secrets of his own mind. He must continually seek information about his adversaries and remain ever vigilant in matters concerning them. He must never become careless under the delusion that an enemy is incapable of harming him.

“As long as an enemy remains undefeated, neither the kingdom nor its ruler can enjoy complete peace and security.”

Kanika continued his counsel:

“To destroy an enemy, a king must be prepared to assume different appearances and adopt various strategies as circumstances demand. He should perform sacred rites such as Agnihotra and conduct sacrifices at appropriate times. He may wear saffron robes, matted locks, and the black antelope skin—symbols traditionally associated with renunciation and austerity—to win the confidence of the people.

“When the right opportunity presents itself, he must fall upon his enemy and destroy him, just as a wolf pounces upon a flock of sheep.”

Kanika further declared:

“Purity, righteous conduct, and good behaviour may also be employed as instruments for attracting people and accumulating wealth. At times, a person may even display humility as a calculated means of drawing wealth from others.”

He then continued, explaining the importance of patience and timing:

“One must never allow anger or agitation to dictate the timing of an attack against an enemy. Until circumstances become favourable, one must not even reveal that one regards such a person as an adversary.

“Even an enemy should be greeted pleasantly and treated with apparent affection. One may embrace him and even carry him upon one’s shoulders. But when the moment is ripe, he must be cast down and destroyed, just as a clay pot is smashed against a stone.”

Dhritarashtra listened to Kanika with keen interest. The minister’s words seemed to reinforce the very thoughts that had already taken root in his mind. As Kanika’s counsel appeared to justify his growing suspicions and anxieties concerning the Pandavas, Dhritarashtra’s face brightened, and he listened eagerly to every word.

Kanika concluded this part of his discourse by declaring:

“There is no single prescribed method for destroying an enemy. Whatever strategies and means are available must be employed to accomplish his downfall.”

Thus, Kanika expounded a severe and ruthless doctrine of political strategy, placing the elimination of adversaries above compassion, trust, and personal affection. His counsel would further deepen Dhritarashtra’s hostility toward the Pandavas and strengthen the dangerous course of action that was gradually taking shape within the Kuru household.