Sutra 54

Devanagari script

विशिष्टबलं भङ्क्त्वा संधिं याचेत ॥ कZ_१०.३.५४ ॥

Transliteration

viśiṣṭabalaṃ bhaṅktvā saṃdhiṃ yāceta

Translation

ശത്രുവിന്റെ വിശിഷ്ട/തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത സേനയെ തകർത്ത ശേഷം, തനിക്കനുകൂലമായ നിബന്ധനകളിൽ സമാധാനം (സന്ധി) അപേക്ഷിക്കണം.

Word by Word

• विशिष्टबलम्: a superior/elite force (troops)
• Type: Noun (with adjectival qualifier)
• Root: विशिष्ट + बल
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, एकवचन, द्वितीया; कर्म (object) of भङ्क्त्वा

• भङ्क्त्वा: having broken/defeated
• Type: Verb (absolutive/gerund)
• Root: भञ्ज्
• Form: क्त्वान्त (अव्ययीभाव-प्राय), परस्मैपदी; ‘having broken/defeated’—prior action to main verb

• सन्धिम्: a treaty/peace (compact)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सन्धि
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, एकवचन, द्वितीया; याचेत् का कर्म

• याचेत: should request/seek
• Type: Verb
• Root: याच्
• Form: विधिलिङ् (optative), परस्मैपदी, प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन; कर्ता (implicit) = राजा/विजिगीषुः

Entities Mentioned

• king/ruler
• enemy
• elite troops

More Details

FAQs

Why seek peace immediately after breaking the enemy’s elite force?

Because degrading the enemy’s best capability shifts bargaining power sharply; peace at that moment locks in gains at lower cost than continued campaigning.

What is the implied strategic logic of targeting ‘viśiṣṭabala’?

Neutralizing command-quality or shock troops can collapse morale and coordination, enabling political settlement without prolonged attrition.