Kautilya, the Indian Machiavelli; On War and diplomacy in Ancient India

Abstract

In the contemporary period because of a little fluctuation in the global situation different variations have equally occurred in the acts of diplomacy. Previously the emphasis was actually on hard power as a method of diplomatic preparation. However with establishment of the notion of soft power diplomatic practice became modernized in light of the fact that the idea of soft power gives a contrasting option to the discretionary emissaries to lead conciliatory practice without relating to candy and twig method. Despite India’s long history of reflection on interstate relations, Western assessments and theorizations continue to dominate the modern scholarship on India’s IR, with Indians mostly reacting to foreign assessments. This paper will elucidate various diplomatic views of Kautiya in the ancient India period that are still appreciated for the Indian and world diplomacy. This paper will also try to shed light on Kautilya’s view on spies, agents and interstate relations.