Sutra 55

Devanagari script

निरन्तरयोगित्वाच्चार्थानर्थसंशयानां यात्रादावर्थः श्रेयानुपसम्प्राप्तुं पार्ष्णिग्राहासारप्रतिघाते क्षयव्ययप्रवासप्रत्यादेये मूलरक्षणेषु च भवति ॥ कZ_०९.७.५५ ॥

Transliteration

nirantarayogitvāc cārthānartha-saṃśayānāṃ yātrādāv arthaḥ śreyān upasamprāptuṃ pārṣṇigrāha-asāra-pratighāte kṣaya-vyaya-pravāsa-pratyādeye mūla-rakṣaṇeṣu ca bhavati.

Translation

Como el beneficio, el daño y la incertidumbre están continuamente entrelazados, es mejor asegurar la ventaja desde el inicio mismo de la campaña—para contrarrestar a un atacante por la retaguardia y a una fuerza poco fiable, evitar pérdidas, gastos excesivos y una ausencia prolongada, posibilitar la recuperación/el retorno y proteger las raíces (bases esenciales) del Estado.

Word by Word

निरन्तरयोगित्वात्because of continuous application/engagement

चand

अर्थानर्थसंशयानाम्of (matters involving) gain, loss, and doubt/uncertainty

यात्रादौin expeditions/marches and the like

अर्थःthe (proper) course/benefit (i.e., what is advantageous)

श्रेयःthe better (option)

अनुपसम्प्राप्तुम्to attain/obtain (accordingly, step by step)

पार्ष्णिग्राहासारप्रतिघातेin repulsing the rear-enemy and in striking at the weak point (of the enemy)

क्षयव्ययप्रवासप्रत्यादेयेin situations of loss, expenditure, absence (being away), and (what is) to be recovered/recouped

मूलरक्षणेषुin the protection of the principal resources/capital

चand

भवतिis/comes to be (is applicable)

Entities Mentioned

pārṣṇigrāha

mūla (state roots)

FAQs

Why does Kautilya stress gaining advantage at the start of a campaign?

Early advantage reduces cascading risks: rear attacks, unreliable allies/forces, losses and overspending, prolonged absence, and threats to core state assets at home.

What is ‘mūla-rakṣaṇa’ in administrative terms?

Protection of the state’s foundations—capital security, treasury/revenue base, supply lines, and political stability in the rear.