("diplomacy instructions") Niti Shastra is a Hindu scripture.
Making friends and allegiances, scaring one's opponents, and knowing who can be trusted were all part of a genre of education that emphasized politically adept actions.
This was a recognized field of study in the old Hindu
sciences, and it was taught to powerful and royal families whose social roles
required them to understand the true workings of the universe.
Through the use of animal characters, the Panchatantra
stories impart these hard-edged teachings about self-interest and prudence.
