War in Ancient India c5.s5.48

c5.s5.48

The phrase ‘Laws of War’ implies that if these rules were broken or not observed properly, the State had a right to punish the transgressor. One punishment was social ostracism. He became an outcaste and was debarred from enjoying the social privileges which he as a Kṣatriya had enjoyed so far.¹⁶¹ Again, it is said that the warrior who in order to save his life retreated from the field of battle leaving his comrades behind, should be done to death with sticks or stones. Or he might be rolled in a mat of dry grass and burnt to death. In a word, it is laid down that such warriors as threw to the winds the regulations of conduct and discipline laid down for them should be slain like wild animals. The punishments were no doubt severe, but they helped to keep strict discipline among the rank and file of the Kṣatriya hosts.