War in Ancient India c12.61

c12.61

Modern international law has classified diplomatic agents under different heads, and has accepted the principle of stationing permanent ambassadors in foreign states. Though ancient India had developed a theory of international law and ethics, its ambassadors were not permanent agents in foreign courts. They were sent on a special mission and were expected to return after having carried out their mission. In fact, it was prescribed, as we have seen, that the ambassador should not be allowed to stay long in those courts. Important as the ambassadorial system was, espionage was even more valued. Looked at from the point of view of diplomacy, the institution of spies had a greater utility, as the king could take action on the report of the spies. At the outset it may be remarked that spies were engaged to look after the home officials, including those of the royal household as well as to report on the doings in the enemy kingdoms. It is with the latter class of spies who were sent to foreign countries to gather information about the movements of the enemy and his army, that we are at present concerned.