The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c16.s1.49

c16.s1.49

On foreign affairs the Purāṇa merely embellishes the precepts of its predecessors. Only its remarks on ambassadors are striking. They are divided into three classes: (1) Śāsanārhaka, those charged simply to deliver a message, (2) Mitrārtha, those charged to conduct negotiations according to instructions from headquarters, and (3) Niḥsṛiṣṭārtha or plenipotentiaries, those who are authorised to settle affairs according to their own lights. All ambassadors, of whatever grade, must observe the proper etiquette.²