What is Mandal theory OR Mandala Siddhanta?
Kautilya has described the Mandal theory in the sixth chapter of Arthashastra. In relation to dealing with other states, Acharya Kautilya has discussed two principles - Mandal principle to establish relations with neighboring states and Shadgunya policy to determine the behavior with other states. Mandal means "group of countries".
He has mentioned 12 types of countries in the circle - 'Vijigishu', 'Ari', 'Mitra', 'Ari-Mitra', 'Mitra-Mitra', 'Ari-Mitra-Mitra', 'Parshnigraha', 'Akrand'. ' , 'Parshnigrahasar', 'Akrandasara', 'Madhyama' and 'Nidal' countries.
According to the Mandal Theory, Indian society is traditionally divided into various social groups or castes. These castes are hierarchically organized, with certain castes considered higher in status and others lower. The theory emphasizes the rigid social structure and the discrimination faced by lower-caste groups, especially the Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) and other marginalized communities.
One of the key aspects of the Mandal Theory is the identification of historically disadvantaged groups and the need for affirmative action and social reforms to uplift these communities. B.R. Ambedkar advocated for the rights of Dalits and other lower castes and played a significant role in the formation of the Indian Constitution, which includes provisions for affirmative action, also known as reservations or quotas, in education, government jobs, and political representation.
In the context of Indian politics, the Mandal Commission, officially known as the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBC), was established in 1979 to identify socially and educationally backward classes in India. The commission's recommendations led to the implementation of reservation policies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.
The Mandal Theory, through policies of affirmative action and social reform, aims to address historical injustices and promote social equality and inclusivity in Indian society. However, it has also been a topic of debate and controversy, with differing opinions on the implementation and effectiveness of reservation policies.
Whereas Ari, Mitra, Ari Mitra, Mitra Mitra and Arimitra-Mitra means five kingdoms in front of Vijigishu and Parshnigraha are in front of Akranda, 'Parshnigrahasar and Akrandasara' means four kingdoms. The remaining two states are situated on one side of the medium and indifferent, the character of all these states is as follows
1. Vijigeishu:
Vijigeishu state is one which is aspiring to expand the boundaries of its state. It is situated in the center of the circle.
2. Ari:
The state situated on the border of Vijigishu is his enemy, that is why it is a state.
3.Mitra:
4.Arimitra:
The kingdom next to a friend is Arimitra because he is a friend of Ari's kingdom and an enemy of Vijigishu.
5. Mitra-Friend:
The kingdom in front of Ari Mitra is friend-friend because that friend is a friend of Raj, therefore Vijigishu also has a friend.
6. Arimitra-Friend:
Arimitra-Friendly kingdom is the friendly kingdom of Arimitra's kingdom, so it is the enemy kingdom of Vijigishu.
7. Parshnigraha:
The state situated on the side of Vijigishu is called Parshnigraha. Like the kingdom of Ari, this state is the enemy of Vijigishu.
8. Aakrand :
The state situated behind the state is called Aakrand. This state is the friend state of Vijigishu.
9. Parshnigrahasar:
Parshnigrahasar state is the friend state of Panigraha. And Aakrand is situated on the back part of the state. This is the enemy kingdom of Vijigishu.
10. Aakrandasara:
The state situated behind Parshnigrahasar is called Aakrandasara. This state is also a friend of Vijigishu as it is a friend of the Aakrand state.
11. Medium:
This type of state is such a state which is situated separately from the boundaries of both the types of states. This state being more powerful than both, it can also help or counter both of these if needed.
12. Indifferent:
This type of state is separated from the boundaries of Vijigishu, Ari and Madhyam state. This state is a very powerful state and can help any of these three states according to their wish.
Thus we see that Kautilya has tried his best to define through the Mandal theory that which of a particular state can be a friend and which can be an enemy. According to Kautilya, this theory also tells how a state should have relations with another state and how should determine its international relations and policies.