Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s4.14

c11.s4.14

Having settled his mission, successful or not, he might return without, in any manner, giving out information regarding his own state. He should endeavour to elicit information in full regarding the enemy without getting himself into trouble and then return.¹ The responsibilities of a *dūta* are very great. He alone brings in peace, or breaks off the peace, and makes a cleavage among the subjects of the country.² As the commencement of hostilities or their end depends on this all-important functionary, the sacredness of his person is accepted on all hands. Chandeśvara quotes from the *Śukranīti* to the effect that a *dūta* though a *mleccha* ought not to be slain. Even at the cost of his life he was expected to speak nothing but the truth. Whether he would speak in favour or not, he should be ever honoured and not disrespected.³