Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 30
Ṣāḍguṇya — The Six Measures of Foreign Policy
with Rāja-maṇḍala Theory
यदा द्वावपि नेच्छेतां संश्लेषं जातसंविदौ तदोपसर्पेत्तच्छत्रुमधिकं वा स्वयं व्रजेत्
yadā dvāvapi necchetāṃ saṃśleṣaṃ jātasaṃvidau tadopasarpettacchatrumadhikaṃ vā svayaṃ vrajet
إذا كان الطرفان—مع أنهما قد تواصلا وتبادلا العلم—لا يرغبان في اتحادٍ وثيق (حلف)، فعندئذٍ يُقْدِم المرء إلى ذلك العدو للتعامل معه؛ أو يذهب بنفسه إلى من هو أقوى من ذلك العدو طلباً للعون.
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Decision rule for alliance-making when two parties refuse close union: engage the enemy directly or seek backing from a superior power to that enemy.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"When Mutual Union is Refused: Approach the Enemy or Seek a Stronger Patron","lookup_keywords":["saṃśleṣa (alliance)","jāta-saṃvida","upasarpeta","adhika (stronger)","support-seeking"],"quick_summary":"If both sides, though already in contact, refuse a tight alliance, either open engagement with the enemy or secure support from a power stronger than that enemy—whichever improves strategic position."}
Concept: Strategic flexibility under failed alliance conditions
Application: When negotiations stall, avoid paralysis: either shift to controlled confrontation or build a superior coalition to deter/defeat the enemy.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Dhanurveda (Statecraft, espionage, and tactical conduct)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two rulers’ envoys meet but refuse a binding alliance; the protagonist-king then either advances toward the enemy camp or dispatches messengers to a mightier king for support.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: split-panel narrative—left: tense envoy meeting with restrained gestures; right: king sending swift messengers on horseback toward a larger kingdom, stylized forts and banners, traditional palette and ornamented frame.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central king with gold-embossed throne, two scroll-bearing envoys; one side shows enemy banner, the other a grander ally’s emblem; heavy gold work on regalia and borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic composition with two pathways illustrated—‘approach enemy’ and ‘go to stronger than enemy’—fine linework, calm instructional mood, clear spatial separation of options.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: diplomatic pavilion scene with detailed textiles; in background, a messenger rides toward a larger fort with imposing walls, delicate landscape gradations and precise faces."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: द्वावपि = द्वौ अपि; नेच्छेताम् = न इच्छेताम्; तदोपसर्पेत् = तदा उपसर्पेत्; तच्छत्रुमधिकम् = तत्-शत्रुम् अधिकम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Rajadharma passages on sandhi (peace), vigraha (war), yāna (march), saṃśraya (seeking shelter); Agni Purana Dhanurveda-adjacent counsel on readiness and engagement
FAQs
It imparts nīti-vidyā (political strategy): if alliance (saṃśleṣa) is not mutually desired despite prior contact, either engage/approach the enemy directly or seek the protection/support of a power stronger than that enemy.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical governance and military policy (rajadharma, sandhi–vigraha), showing it functions as a compendium of actionable knowledge for rulers alongside ritual and devotional topics.
By advocating measured action—either clear engagement or prudent seeking of superior support—it aligns royal conduct with dharma: minimizing reckless violence, protecting subjects, and grounding power in disciplined, responsible decision-making.