समा विषमा व्यामिश्रा वा भूमिरिति पुरस्तात्पार्श्वाभ्यां पश्चाच्च ज्ञेया ॥ कZ_१०.३.५२ ॥
samā viṣamā vyāmiśrā vā bhūmir iti purastāt pārśvābhyāṃ paścāc ca jñeyā
The ground should be assessed as level, uneven, or mixed—examined in front, on the flanks, and to the rear.
Because retreat routes, supply lines, and vulnerability to encirclement depend on rear terrain; Kautilya institutionalizes a 360-degree security mindset.