Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s3.1

c11.s3.1

Let us now turn our attention to the ends of war which actuated the ancient Hindus to undertake wars in general. Earth hunger was not always the motive. The motives were not political exclusively but in a way moral and religious. Although righteous warfare (*dharma-yuddha*) has been regarded as the chief function of the Kṣatriya caste, still war is not recommended in all cases. The ancients realized the terrible loss both in men and money for both the contending parties in war, and hence endeavoured to avoid war in general.² But once war was declared the warrior was to fight to the end, either win or die on the field of battle. That war was entered into only as a last recourse is abundantly clear.³ If all