2.3 The Essentials of a State
2.3.1 The Land
731 Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band, Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a ‘land’ 89 A kingdom is that in which (those who carry on) a complete cultivation, virtuous persons, and merchants with inexhaustible wealth, dwell together.
732 That is a ‘land’ which men desire for wealth’s abundant share, Yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare. A kingdom is that which is desire for its immense wealth, and which grows greatly in prosperity, being free from destructive causes.
733 When burthens press, it bears; Yet, With unfailing hand To king due tribute pays: that is the ‘land’ A kingdom is that which can bear any burden that may be pressed on it (from adjoining kingdoms) and (yet) pay the full tribute to its sovereign.
734 That is a ‘land’ whose peaceful annals know, Nor famine fierce, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe. A kingdom is that which continues to be free from excessive starvation, irremediable epidemics, and destructive foes.
735 From factions free, and desolating civil strife, and band Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the ‘land’. A kingdom is that which is without various (irregular) associations, destructive internal enemies, and murderous savages who (sometimes) harass the sovereign.
736 Chief of all lands is that, where nought disturbs its peace; Or, if invaders come, still yields its rich increase. The learned say that the best kingdom is that which knows no evil (from its foes), and, if injured (at all), suffers no diminution in its fruitfulness.
737 Waters from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence; These make a land, with fortress’ sure defence. The constituents of a kingdom are the two waters (from above and below), well situated hills and an undestructible fort.
738 A country’s jewels are these five: unfailing health, Fertility, and joy, a sure defence, and wealth. Freedom from epidemics, wealth, produce, happiness and protection (to subjects); these five, the learned, say, are the ornaments of a kingdom. 739 That is a land that yields increase unsought, That is no land whose gifts with toil are bought. The learned say that those are kingdom whose wealth is not laboured for, and those not, whose wealth is only obtained through labour. 90
740 Though blest with all these varied gifts’ increase, A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace. Although in possession of all the above mentioned excellences, these are indeed of no use to a country, in the absence of harmony between the sovereign and the sujects.
2.3.2. The Fortification
741 A fort is wealth to those who act against their foes; Is wealth to them who, fearing, guard themselves from woes. A fort is an object of importance to those who march (against their foes) as well as to those who through fear (of pursuers) would seek it for shelter.
742 A fort is that which owns fount of waters crystal clear, An open space, a hill, and shade of beauteous forest near. A fort is that which has everlasting water, plains, mountains and cool shady forests.
743 Height, breadth, strength, difficult access: Science declares a fort must these possess. The learned say that a fortress is an enclosure having these four (qualities) viz., height, breadth, strength and inaccessibility.
744 A fort must need but slight defence, yet ample be, Defying all the foeman’s energy. A fort is that which has an extensive space within, but only small places to be guarded, and such as can destroy the courage of besieging foes.
745 Impregnable, containing ample stores of food, A fort for those within, must be a warlike station good. A fort is that which cannot be captured, which abounds in suitable provisions, and affords a position of easy defence to its inmates.
746 A fort, with all munitions amply stored, In time of need should good reserves afford. A fort is that which has all (needful) things, and excellent heroes that can help it against destruction (by foes).
747 A fort should be impregnable to foes who gird it round, Or aim there darts from far, or mine beneath the ground. A fort is that which cannot be captured by blockading, assaulting, or undermining it. 9 1
748 Howe’er the circling foe may strive access to win, A fort should give the victory to those who guard within. That is a fort whose inmates are able to overcome without losing their ground, even abler men who have besieged it.
749 At outset of the strife a fort should foes dismay; And greatness gain by deeds in every glorious day. A fort is that which derives excellence from the stratagems made (by its inmates) to defeat their enemies in the battlefield.
750 Howe’er majestic castled walls may rise, To craven souls no fortress strength supplies. Although a fort may possess all (the above-said) excellence, it is, as it were without these, if its inmates possess not the excellence of action.