⚠The manuscript shows some bleeding from the reverse side and minor fading at the edges.

On the Conduct of Kings and the Strategy of Fortification

And it is not fitting for a king to act without good counsel; his conduct should be beautiful and well-guided by policy. One who is destitute of such policy, even if he possesses food and drink, does not truly grasp the essence of his kingdom. He who ignores the right time for action, even if he is powerful, will fail. As it is said:

The owl, though blind by day, becomes powerful at night; the crow, though strong, becomes vulnerable in the darkness.

A king who sets out on a campaign without knowing the proper time falls under the power of his enemies, just as a man becomes a slave to his passions. The owl is confused by day, but the crow is vulnerable at night. This is a classic metaphor in Indian statecraft (Nitisastra) regarding 'Kala-shakti' or the power of timing. Even a lion kills the elephant in the proper place and time. A king who acts out of season is like a man who forgets his wisdom when overcome by pride.

Regarding the enemy: even if the enemy is known to be weak, one should not abandon effort. A small spark can cause a great fire; a small amount of poison can overcome the whole body. Even the lord of elephants dvipa-pati (lord of two-drinks/elephant) can be brought down if he is careless. A king, even if he possesses the strength of ten thousand men, is lost if he is intoxicated by pride.

On the Construction of Fortifications

The text now describes the defense of the realm:

The king should establish himself in a fortress durge (difficult to access) equipped with ramparts vapra (mound/rampart), walls, engines, and moats.

The king, having secured himself in a fortress, should look toward the enemy's territory. What kind of king is he? He is a Prishthigraha-pashni (one who guards the rear). form He who stands at the rear of the army to protect the path is called the 'heel-catcher' or rear-guard.

Note 5

The definition of the rear-guard is as follows: The enemy who sits between the base and the marching army, who seizes the rear, is called the Parshnigraha. The king must be wary of this.

Regarding the fortress: it should be constructed with ramparts. The word Vapra refers to the high embankments. Others say it refers to the height of a hundred bows. It should be filled with men holding weapons—discs, spears, and bows. The moat should be filled with water and contain crocodiles or sharks to prevent crossing.

The fortress should also contain:

Gulma: A station or thicket where soldiers congregate for defense.
Horses and Elephants: For rapid response.
Physicians: original: "vaidya" To treat the wounded.
Brahmins: To perform auspicious rites and ensure the spiritual protection of the fort.
Artisans: Leather-workers and smiths to maintain equipment.

A king who is endowed with such a fortress, and who is free from excessive pride but full of courage, can never be conquered by an angry foe. Source He who is arrogant and careless will not endure.