My reading diversity these days fluctuates between the Ukraine-Russia war and Arthashastra. Interestingly, the two are related!
It is astounding to see that something that was penned down ages ago by Acharya Chanakya holds relevance in a war that unfolded in front of our eyes. So, after exploring multidimensional aspects of the war in the previous substack, here I am to take a look at how Chanakaya's Mandal Siddhant and Saptang theory hold relevance in the context of Russia (taking Russian p.o.v since it is the one who declared the war)
First, Mandal Siddhant
This principle has 12 elements with Vijigishu sitting at the centre.
As per this principle, the immediate neighbour is your ari (enemy) and the neighbour next to ari is your Mitra (friend).
Why? The material welfare aim of the neighbors is to acquire the same piece of land.
I won't explain every element of this principle except these immediate two. Why? Relevance to the image below.
Read this one as per Chanakya's theory where Belarus is helping Russia launch attacks on Ukraine.
Now recollect Putin's desire to reinstate the territorial integrity of the erstwhile USSR. Rings some bell?
Yeah, that's Chanakya shouting it loud to you!
Tip: If you are curious enough, start matching subsequent players to the next neighbors as per Mandala Siddhant to see Romania, Poland, France, Germany, the USA and many others flashing in front of you!
Now, let us look at what Acharyaji said here:
"There are no permanent friends or enemies."
It is a lesson for Belarus (former USSR territory) that as the Mandala expands, Mitra becomes Ari (and thus, enters a conflict). Since there are no permanent friends or enemies, this theory can predict potential conflict zones of the future!
Second, every king has seven core elements that Vijigishu shall consider about every king before going to war. It is what Acharya Chanakya called Saptang Theory.
Drawing parallels from it with the war in point, the events at UNO confirm that Russia may not have many allies but sure has a bunch of powerful friends. On the contrary, Ukraine garners global support but fewer boots on the ground from the countries that count as its Mitra. Neither NATO nor EU nor did the US send its troops to fight on the ground for Ukrainian sovereignty.
Similarly, Ukraine has a weaker durg (fort) (It took <24 hours for Russian forces to encircle the capital, Kyiv) at a time when the Russian fort (aka Kremlin) is far from the conflict zone.
Talking of public opinion aka Janpath, poor Ukrainians are under attack and have only one state of mind. On the other side, Russia has blocked FB while the mainstream media channels of the west are not airing in the country. It leaves government-controlled information making way to Russians. As a result, no major protest has been reported apart from the one on 2nd day of the war.
Considering the Kosh or treasure, Russian reserve assets suffered a surgical strike within first few days of the war as G7 countries froze all of Russia’s reserve assets in their countries.
The military strength of the two, Bala, can be compared in the image below.
12 elements of Mandala Siddhant and 7 each from Saptang Theory means 12*7=84 elements shall be considered by Vijigishu before stepping onto the battlefield. Did Putin listen to Chanakaya before announcing the military operation? Only time will tell!
For now, share the link to this unique perspective of the ongoing war on your WhatsApp story and help others see how Chanakya, an Indian, is relevant thousands of years later in this Russia-Ukraine war!
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