APSC JDO: Chanakya’s principle

The modern global diplomacy revolves around the principles of ‘Chanakya — an ancient Indian polymath’. Which of the following is/are not within Chanakya’s principle?

1. Persuade (Sam)
2. Purchase (Daan)
3. Punish (Danda)
4. Exploit the weakness (Bhed)
5. Friendship (Mitrata)

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 3 and 4
(D) Only 5

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Correct Answer: (D) Only 5

Explanation:
Chanakya (also known as Kautilya) laid down the “Four Upayas” (means/strategies) in diplomacy and conflict resolution in his treatise Arthashastra:

1. Sam – Persuasion or negotiation
2. Daan – Offering gifts or bribery
3. Danda – Punishment or force
4. Bhed – Division or sowing dissension

These four are part of Chanakya’s core diplomatic principles.
However, “Mitrata” (Friendship) is not part of these traditional strategies — hence, it is not within Chanakya’s principle.