Arthashastra — Abhiyasyatkarma, Sutra 51

Devanagari script

सांधिकं च भेदं प्रयुञ्जीत ॥ कZ_०९.६.५१ ॥

Transliteration

sāṃdhikaṃ ca bhedaṃ prayuñjīta

Translation

他应将离间与外交/缔约并用。

Word by Word

• सांधिकम्: (a measure) relating to alliance/treaty; conciliatory policy
• Type: Adjective
• Root: संधि
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्गे एकवचनम् द्वितीया/प्रथमा (कर्मपद-विशेषणम्); ‘सांधिक’ (संधिसम्बन्धी) इत्यस्य नपुंसक-रूपम्

• च: and
• Type: Particle
• Root: च
• Form: समुच्चयार्थक-अव्ययम्

• भेदम्: dissension; division; causing a split
• Type: Noun
• Root: भिद्
• Form: पुंलिङ्गे एकवचनम् द्वितीया (कर्म); ‘भेद’ = भेदन/विभेदन/विघटन

• प्रयुञ्जीत: should employ/apply
• Type: Verb
• Root: प्र-युज्
• Form: विधिलिङ् (optative) परस्मैपदम्, प्रथमपुरुषः एकवचनम्; लट्-अर्थे विधिः—‘प्रयोगं कुर्यात्’

Entities Mentioned

• sandhi (diplomacy/treaty) (concept)

More Details

FAQs

What does combining sandhi with bheda achieve?

Diplomacy supplies cover and timing, while dissension weakens the adversary’s unity—together improving bargaining position and battlefield outcomes.