War in Ancient India c2.3

c2.3

It is refreshing to note how in ancient times at least, the laws of war were designed to bring out the best and not the worst of human traits. Chivalry, individual heroism, qualities of mercy and nobility of outlook even in the grimmest of struggles were not unknown to the soldiers of ancient India. Thus among the laws of war, we find that (1) a warrior in armour must not fight with one not so clad (2) one should fight only one enemy and cease fighting if the opponent is disabled (3) aged men, women and children, the retreating, or one who held a straw in his lips as a sign of unconditional surrender should not be killed. It is of topical interest to note that one of the laws enjoins the army to leave the fruit and flower gardens, temples and other places of public worship unmolested.