War in Ancient India c12.19

c12.19

Bhīṣma mentions seven qualifications as essential in an ambassador.¹⁰ He should come of a noble line, belong to a high family, be skilful, eloquent of speech, true in delivering the mission, and of excellent memory. A king must never sentence or subject an ambassador to capital punishment. If he does so, he sinks into oblivion and he is subject to the tortures of the hell together with his retinue of responsible officers. It is further said that any officer who kills an ambassador that delivers his message according to the very letter and spirit of his instructions, brings down untold sin not only on himself but even on his deceased ancestors. Such was the moral force at the back of this very important institution.