The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s5.12

c2.s5.12

‘The essence of warrior duty lies in fighting’ is the hundred-times-repeated axiom and motto of all the caste. A few of their own expressions will show how deep a moral hold this law of their fighting caste had on the Hindus. It is indeed no ill to die in battle when one has been challenged to the fight; but forever noblest is the death of those that fight straightly and turn not aside.* Not a pleasure only, but the highest duty is it to die in war: ‘Fight now, be firm; no other duty has a king than slaying foes’ (v. 160. 71). No matter how challenged, the warrior must respond. So a suddenly challenged king answers at once to a peremptory challenge by speedy preparation: ‘Mindful of the warrior’s duty, he laid his crown aside and braided up his hair,’ the formal beginning for the fight.†