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
เมื่อทั้งสองฝ่าย—แม้ได้ติดต่อและรู้กันแล้ว—ไม่ปรารถนาจะผูกพันเป็นพันธมิตรใกล้ชิด ก็พึงเข้าไปหาศัตรูนั้น; หรือไม่ก็ไปด้วยตนเองหาผู้ที่มีกำลังยิ่งกว่าศัตรูนั้นเพื่อขอพึ่งพา।
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.