Page 124 - NITI - Navigating Indian Traditions in Industry

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Arming Businesses

Dhanurveda Strategies in Competitive Markets
Prof. Pritha Ubgade and Dr. Gopa Das

Learning Outcomes:
• Apply Dhanurveda’s principles (timing, focus, adaptability) to business strategy.
• Understand resilience and flexibility in competitive business environments.
• Use strategic thinking from martial principles to navigate market challenges.
• Position organizations effectively in competitive landscapes..

Introduction:
Dhanurveda, known as ‘the science of archery’, is not only about shooting arrows. It’s
an ancient Indian doctrine encompassing a comprehensive warfare system, covering
strategy, tactics, leadership, and psychology. This ancient wisdom, found in texts like
the Mahabharata and the Arthashastra, offers valuable insights that can be applied to
modern crisis management. When we talk about strategic planning in Dhanurveda,
it emphasises the importance of careful planning before taking action. This translates
into crisis management by stressing the need to thoroughly assess risks, understand
the environment, and develop strategies to handle different scenarios. Like a military
general plans their campaign, crisis managers must plan their response to potential
disasters or emergencies. (Kosuta, M.,
2020)
In today’s fast-changing business
world, companies face challenges that
are similar to those of ancient warriors
preparing for battle. Just as warriors
needed to learn the art of war to protect
and expand their territories, businesses
today need strong strategies to survive
and grow in competitive markets. While
the comparison between war and business
strategies isn’t new, applying the wisdom
of the Dhanurveda—an ancient Indian text
on warfare—to modern business offers a

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