According to Manu, which of the following is not the foundation of diplomacy and statecraft?

Correct option is D

According to Manu Smriti (the ancient Hindu text on law, ethics, and statecraft), the foundations of diplomacy and statecraft are described in terms of six methods or strategies for dealing with other states. These are known as the Shadgunya or six fold policy. The six strategies are:

1. Sandhi (संधि) - Treaty or Alliance: Forming alliances or treaties with other states for mutual benefit.

2. Vigraha (विग्रह) - Hostility or War: Engaging in conflict or war when necessary.

3. Yana (यान) - Marching or Preparation for War: Preparing for military action.

4. Asana (आसन) - Neutrality or Inaction: Maintaining neutrality or staying inactive in certain situations.

5. Samsraya (संश्रय) - Subordinate Alliance: Seeking refuge or forming a subordinate alliance with a stronger power.

6. Dvaidhibhava (द्वैधीभाव) - Dual Policy: Combining two or more strategies, such as forming an alliance with one state while preparing for war with another.

Information booster :-

A. Hostility (विग्रह): This is one of the six strategies mentioned in Manu Smriti. It refers to engaging in conflict or war when necessary.
B. Neutrality (तटस्थता): This corresponds to Asana (आसन), which is also one of the six strategies. It refers to maintaining neutrality or inaction in certain situations.
C. Subordinate Alliance (संश्रय): This corresponds to Samsraya (संश्रय), which is another one of the six strategies. It refers to seeking refuge or forming a subordinate alliance with a stronger power.
D. Contract (अनुबंध): This is not one of the six strategies mentioned in Manu Smriti. While contracts or agreements might be part of forming alliances (Sandhi), the term "Contract (अनुबंध)" itself is not explicitly listed as a separate foundation of diplomacy and statecraft in Manu’s framework.