Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c8.s1: Ethics of War

c8.s1.1

The ancients realised the terrible loss in men and money to both parties in war, and hence they tried to avoid war in general. They first tried the four diplomatic means, *viz*, *sāma*, *dāma*, *daṇḍa* and *bheda*, failing which they had to declare war. Before the two parties actually entered into the war, a *dūta* or a courier, who conveyed the royal proclamation to the opposite party, was deputed with the message. We learn that before entering into war with Ceḍaga, Kūṇiya sent his *dūta* to his opponent thrice; finally giving him orders to place his left foot on the foot-stool of the enemy (in a spirit of defiance) and deliver him the letter keeping it on the edge of the spear.⁴⁴ Then the king Paḍibuddhi and his five fellow-kings deputed their envoys to king Kumbhaga asking him either to give his daughter in marriage or prepare for war.⁴⁵