Chandragupta Maurya and His Times c9.275

c9.275

The Ambassador was deputed to foreign States with due pomp and equipment as regards conveyance (*yāna*), horses and other animals as vehicles (*vāhana*), retainers (*purusha*) and provisions for food and rest (*parivāpa*) suitable for each journey. He is described as the mouthpiece of the king (*Dūta-mukhāḥ rājānaḥ*). He must know how to behave in a foreign country. He must not be impatient but stay on till his mission is over and is asked to leave (*vasedavisṛishṭaḥ*). He must not be affected by honours shown to him (*pūjayā notsiktaḥ*). He must live a strictly moral life, abstaining from women and wine (*striyaḥ pānaṁ cha varjayet*). He is charged with duties of great importance, delivery of his king’s message, maintenance of treaties (*sandhipālatvam*), issue of ultimatum (*pratāpa*), acquisition of allies (*mitra-saṁgraha*), political intrigue (*upajāpa*), breaking enemy’s alliances (*suhṛid-bheda*) and the like.