Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s3.27

c11.s3.27

Though the importance and necessity of war have been recognized, still there are healthy regulations which go to show the high sense of ethical standards prevalent in ancient India. First it is forbidden to use invisible arms and poisonous or fire-emitting weapons. If these are used it is unrighteous warfare.² Again one must not kill in war his adversary with weapons concealed, nor with barbed, poisoned and blazing arrows. A chariot warrior must not kill one on the ground. Also a eunuch, one who prays for life, one who submits, one in sleep, with no armour or arms, a naked man, a visitor, one engaged with another, one whose weapon is broken, one who weeps, or who is seriously wounded, one afraid of life, or one who flies from the field are forbidden from being attacked in war.³