War in Ancient India c12.29

c12.29

As we have already remarked, the envoy was not permitted to stay a long time. Having obtained whatever information he could gather, he must ask for permission to return.¹⁵ If detained against his will, he should try to find out the various possible motives that might have induced the adversary to take that course, whether for collecting an army or inciting a rebellion or making an alliance with others. But he might demand, as of right, a speedy departure for himself; and if the circumstances are such that any further stay might imperil his personal safety, then he might even leave the kingdom without permission. Another important regulation relating to ambasadors already referred to was that they should not be put to death on any account to whatever caste they belonged. From this it is evident that members of all communities were eligible to this office, and that it was not the exclusive monopoly of a particular caste.