Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.173

c6.173

fatigued, or at meals, nor those who are seeing emancipation, who are mad. or who are staying trustfully. The lives of camp-followers, menial servants and other people of the sort are sacrosanct. A maiden captured in war should be kept for a year and asked to marry the victor. If she does not consent, she ought to be sent back. So, too, with slaves. Never confiscate the wealth of thieves nor of those who are awaiting execution. The kine captured from the enemy should be distributed among Brâhmaṇas and bulls should be set to agriculture or they should be returned. A few maxims are laid down to preserve the sanctity of royalty. Kings should fight only kings. Those who are not kings should not strike kings. A king if taken prisoner, should be detained in the victor's palace for a year and persuaded to submit. There is one verse in the Mahâbhârata which inculcates humanity to a degree hardly compatible with the efficient conduct of war. Not only should fairness be always observed but the enemy should not be wounded mortally. The wealth of ascetics and Brâhmaṇas, even in a conquered land, cannot be given away. For instance, king Nâbhâga bestowed whole conquered kingdoms on Brâhmaṇas but he made an exception of the possessions of Brâhmaṇas therein. King Divodas brought away the remnants of the sacrificial fires, the clarified butter and the food of his subjugated foes. He was deprived of the merit of his conquests. On the other hand, King Pratarddan contented himself with the wealth—including grain and medicinal herbs—of his enemies but left their lands untouched. All battles must be fought fairly. So Manu had said long ago. The righteous should always act righteously towards the righteous. Universal sovereignty is to be scorned if the way to it lies through unrighteousness. A victory stained by unrighteousness is uncertain in its results and never leads to heaven. It weakens both the king and the earth.