War in Ancient India c12.18

c12.18

Āṭavika princes who lie on the way to the enemy's kingdom. He should get a true idea of the extent of the enemy's army, treasury, forts, and weak spots, himself playing the part of a cāra or employing cāras for the purpose. He must sleep alone and in a lonely place. According to the *Śukranītisāra* an ambassador is one of the ten principal ministers. Only one who is capable of reading the signs, demeanour, and behaviour of the adversary, skilled in all arts and sciences, eloquent and devoid of fear on any account, should be appointed to discharge this duty. As the king's representative he had to discharge his duties loyally though they be undesirable and unfruitful.