The Mauryan Polity c9.s2.t2.1

c9.s2.t2.1

The other class of diplomatic agents who were entrusted with still more responsible work to discharge were the *dūtas*. The term can be translated as ambassadors or envoys. The *dūta* is an open spy. While the *cāra* collected secret information, the *dūta* delivered the message in person without fear or favour sometimes at the risk of his own person. The qualifications for this office were by no means simple. A *dūta* must be one who belonged to a well-known high-class family versed in the science of land, of a towering personality, humorous, eloquent, bold, faithful, and capable of meeting trying situations. Tactfulness and a resolute mind were his other characteristics.¹ The envoy went to the foreign court only with previous instruction. There were letters of credence, *śāsana*, containing the message of his king. There is a significant statement in the *Kauṭalīya* which says that letters of credence are important to the kings. On these depend cessation and outbreak of hostilities.² The *dūta* was the king's representative and hence his person was sacred.³ However unpleasant the mission he was engaged in and the message he delivered, he was not to be slain. When once the message had been delivered the *dūta* could leave the station with or without the sanction of the king of the country.⁴ In addition to these ambassadors, there were consular officers as is evident from the records of Megasthenes. Referring to the second Municipal Board mentioned by the Greek writer, V. A. Smith remarks that this Board performed duties which in modern Europe are entrusted to the consuls representing foreign powers.⁵ The term *dūta* also occurs in the inscription of Aśoka. The mission entrusted to them seems to be the spreading of peace and goodwill between the respective states and the empire.