<P> The strategy, but not the phrase, applies in many ancient cases: the example of Gabinius exists, parting the Jewish nation into five conventions, reported by Flavius Josephus in Book I, 169 - 170 of The Wars of the Jews (De bello Judaico). Strabo also reports in Geography, 8.7. 3 that the Achaean League was gradually dissolved under the Roman possession of the whole of Macedonia, owing to them not dealing with the several states in the same way, but wishing to preserve some and to destroy others . </P> <P> The strategy of division and rule has been attributed to sovereigns, ranging from Louis XI to the Habsburgs . Edward Coke denounces it in Chapter I of the Fourth Part of the Institutes, reporting that when it was demanded by the Lords and Commons what might be a principal motive for them to have good success in Parliament, it was answered: "Eritis insuperabiles, si fueritis inseparabiles . Explosum est illud diverbium: Divide, & impera, cum radix & vertex imperii in obedientium consensu rata sunt ." (You would be insuperable if you were inseparable . This proverb, Divide and rule, has been rejected, since the root and the summit of authority are confirmed by the consent of the subjects .) On the other hand, in a minor variation, Sir Francis Bacon wrote the phrase "separa et impera" in a letter to James I of 15 February 1615 . James Madison made this recommendation in a letter to Thomas Jefferson of 24 October 1787, which summarized the thesis of The Federalist #10: "Divide et impera, the reprobated axiom of tyranny, is under certain (some) qualifications, the only policy, by which a republic can be administered on just principles ." In Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch by Immanuel Kant (1795), Appendix one, Divide et impera is the third of three political maxims, the others being Fac et excusa (Act now, and make excuses later) and Si fecisti, nega (when you commit a crime, deny it). </P> <P> Elements of this technique involve: </P> <Ul> <Li> creating or encouraging divisions among the subjects to prevent alliances that could challenge the sovereign </Li> <Li> aiding and promoting those who are willing to cooperate with the sovereign </Li> <Li> fostering distrust and enmity between local rulers </Li> <Li> encouraging meaningless expenditures that reduce the capability for political and military spending </Li> </Ul>

How did the british divide and conquer the indian subcontinent