Public Administration in Ancient India c17.41

c17.41

As the representative of a Foreign Power, an envoy enjoyed great privileges and immunities. A sort of sanctity was believed to attach to his person. The Nītivākyāmrita says: “An envoy should never be killed, even if he is a Chandāla, not to speak of a Brāhmana.”³ The envoys were always courteously treated. In Bhāsa’s Pratimā-Nātaka, King Udayana is made to stand up when he receives a message from Mahasena Pradyota. As the responsibilities of an envoy were great, some care had to be taken in selecting the proper person. The Nītivākyāmrita mentions the following qualifications as essential in an ambassador: “Loyalty to the King, freedom from vices, capacity, honesty, strength of character, eloquence, brilliance, forgiveness, ability to divine other people’s thoughts, and high birth.”¹ Great stress used to be laid on the conduct of an ambassador at a foreign Court. He was expected to behave with dignity and courtesy, and to preserve the good name of the State which he represented. When on a mission to an enemy State it was the duty of the emissary to act with courage and resolution, and at the same time show moderation and tact.²