Arthashastra
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तेन पूर्वः पश्चिमश् च वणिक् पथो व्याख्यातः ॥
This explains the selection of trade-routes leading either to the east or to the west.
english translation
tena pUrvaH pazcimaz ca vaNik patho vyAkhyAtaH ॥
hk transliteration by Sanscriptतत्र अपि चक्र पाद पथयोश् चक्र पथो विपुल आरम्भत्वात् श्रेयान्, देश काल सम्भावनो वा खर उष्ट्र पथः ॥
Of a cart-track and a foot-path, a cart-track is better as it affords facilities for preparations on a large scale. Routes that can be traversed by asses or camels, irrespective of countries and seasons are also good.
english translation
tatra api cakra pAda pathayoz cakra patho vipula ArambhatvAt zreyAn, deza kAla sambhAvano vA khara uSTra pathaH ॥
hk transliteration by Sanscriptआभ्याम् अंस पथो व्याख्यातः ॥
This explains the selection of trade-routes traversed by men alone (amsa-patha, shoulder-path, i.e., a path traversed by men carrying merchandise on their shoulders).
english translation
AbhyAm aMsa patho vyAkhyAtaH ॥
hk transliteration by Sanscriptपर कर्म उदयो नेतुः क्षयो वृद्धिर् विपर्यये ॥
It is a loss for the conqueror to undertake that kind of work which is productive of benefits to the enemy, while a work of reverse nature is a gain.
english translation
para karma udayo netuH kSayo vRddhir viparyaye ॥
hk transliteration by Sanscriptतुल्ये कर्म पथे स्थानं ज्ञेयं स्वं विजिगीषुणा ॥
When the benefits are equal, the conqueror has to consider that his condition is stagnant.
english translation
tulye karma pathe sthAnaM jJeyaM svaM vijigISuNA ॥
hk transliteration by Sanscript