Pranav S
When I set out on a study journey to investigate the intersections of ancient Indian literature and modern international policy, I had no clue how much the Mahabharata and Chanakya’s Arthashastra would resonate with today’s geopolitical challenges. As a scholar interested in India’s historical involvement in global affairs, I aimed to understand how these timeless works may inform contemporary diplomatic efforts. What emerged was not simply a study topic, but a revelation: India’s ancient wisdom provides a distinct framework for navigating the multipolar globe of the twenty-first century. This blog describes my study path, major findings, and how a line from Dr Jaishankar’s book helped me grasp India’s increasing mastery of foreign affairs.
The Spark: A Question of Continuity
The concept germinated during a late-night conversation with a friend concerning India’s non-aligned position during the Cold War. How, I pondered, does a nation coming from colonial authority have such nuanced foreign policies? I hypothesized that the answer lay not only in modern events, but also in ancient Indian intellectual traditions. The Mahabharata, a tale of battle and morality, and the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, appeared to be logical beginning places. Could these centuries-old books provide insights into India’s diplomatic prowess—from the Mauryan Empire to its current participation in the G20? My investigation sought to find out.
Diving into the Mahabharata: Ethics in Diplomacy
My first trip was the Mahabharata, a huge epic that also serves as a tutorial in human connections. I was intrigued by Lord Krishna’s diplomatic activity, particularly his peace trip to the Kauravas before the Kurukshetra war. Here was a figure who personified dharma (righteousness) while navigating a labyrinth of rivalries and egos. Krishna’s method of exhausted discussion before resorting to conflict felt shockingly modern. His embassy was not about capitulation, but about moral clarity, giving the Kauravas the opportunity to avert conflict while educating the Pandavas for the repercussions of failure.
This episode taught a valuable lesson: ethical diplomacy necessitates balancing principle and pragmatism. Krishna’s mission reflects India’s current efforts to arbitrate global conflicts, such as its calls for peace in Ukraine while retaining strategic connections with Russia and the West. Another discovery was the Mahabharata’s emphasis on partnerships. The Pandavas’ prosperity was dependent on building alliances with various kingdoms, a tactic that mirrors India’s participation in groups such as the Quad and BRICS. These findings suggested that the epic’s emphasis on trust, persuasion, and moral leadership could help modern diplomats form coalitions while preserving sovereignty.
Decoding Chanakya: The Art of Strategic Statecraft
If the Mahabharata taught me ethics, Chanakya’s Arthashastra provided a crash education in tactics. This work, written by the Mauryan Empire’s architect, serves as a practical guide on governance and diplomacy. I was drawn to Chanakya’s rajamandala (circle of states), a geopolitical model that classifies neighbors as allies, rivals, or neutrals based on their intents and closeness. This approach sounded like a model for India’s “neighborhood first” policy, which seeks to balance relations with Pakistan, China, and smaller South Asian nations.
Chanakya’s four-part diplomatic toolkit—conciliation (sama), inducements (dana), dissension (bheda), and coercion (danda)—was another surprise. It’s a varied approach that is consistent with India’s current multifaceted diplomacy: providing economic aid to the Maldives, engaging in talks with ASEAN, and combating China’s influence through strategic relationships. His focus on espionage and economic strength resonated with many. In an age of cyberattacks and trade conflicts, Chanakya’s views into intelligence and resource diplomacy appear almost prescient, encouraging India to strengthen its cyber defences and economic influence.
Bridging Ancient and Modern: A Historical Continuum
As I dug more, I discovered how these old beliefs evolved over India’s history. The Mauryan Empire, shaped by Chanakya’s philosophies, balanced conquest and diplomacy before switching to Ashoka’s Buddhist outreach, which foreshadowed India’s current soft power. The Chola dynasty’s maritime trade with Southeast Asia anticipated the “Act East” policy. Post independence, India’s leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement followed Krishna’s strategic autonomy, avoiding superpower blocs but asserting global influence.
This historical thread revealed an important finding: India’s diplomatic history is not static, but rather flexible. The ethical clarity of the Mahabharata and the strategic profundity of the Arthashastra have been reinterpreted over the centuries, from Ashoka’s peace missions to India’s vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19. However, current challenges like climate change, cyber warfare, and multipolarity necessitate fresh responses. For example, while Chanakya’s espionage concepts apply to cybersecurity, the Arthashastra lacks analogies for global institutions such as the United Nations, forcing diplomats to combine old wisdom with modern frameworks.
Challenges and Reflections
The research was not without challenges. Finding the right translations to the Sanskrit writings into diplomatic theory necessitated navigating cultural nuances—Krishna’s diplomacy, for example, is rich in spiritual connotations that do not easily map onto secular statecraft. Similarly, Chanakya’s realpolitik can appear brutal, contradicting India’s current emphasis on global harmony. Reconciling these contradictions was difficult, but it highlighted an important insight: good diplomacy thrives on synthesis, combining ethics with strategy, tradition with innovation.
Another reflection was personal. As I read through these books, I felt a rising pride in India’s intellectual legacy. The Mahabharata and Arthashastra aren’t simply relics; they’re living guidelines that address universal issues like how to negotiate peace, form coalitions, and use power responsibly. This discovery inspired my concept for a hybrid diplomatic paradigm that combines Krishna’s moral persuasion and Chanakya’s geopolitical vision.
Closing Thoughts
My investigation began with a question about India’s diplomatic history and culminated in a deeper appreciation for its ancient literature. The Mahabharata and Arthashastra are more than historical monuments; they are sources of wisdom for a world divided and uncertain. As India rises, these books provide a compass that is both ethical and strategic, rooted and adaptable. The lesson for policymakers, scholars, and citizens is clear: understanding the past is necessary to build the future.
About the contributor: Pranav S. is a Project Assistant at APCO Worldwide, Bengaluru. He is a fellow at DFPGYF Diplomacy, Foreign Policy & Geopolitics Youth Fellowship, IMPRI.
Acknowledgements: The author extends sincere gratitude to Impact and Policy Research Institute India team for reviewing the article and for providing the opportunity to write the article.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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