Shishupala-vadha (Study)
by Shila Chakraborty | 2018 | 112,267 words
This page relates ‘Employment of ambassador (Introduction)’ of the study on the Shishupala-vadha (in English) in the light of Manusamhita (law and religious duties) and Arthashastra (science of politics and warfare). The Shishupalavadha is an epic poem (Mahakavya) written by Magha in the 7th century AD. It consists of 1800 Sanskrit verses spread over twenty chapters and narrates the details of the king of the Chedis.
Employment of ambassador (Introduction)
In one of the mantras of the Ṛgveda it is said while Mātariśvā stirred up the fire being white become manifested in the all sacrificial houses then likewise the sage Bhṛgu worshipper, an oblator of the sacrifice may use fire in embassy just like the friendly King employs his own man to embassy against the mighty king.
From the meaning of this mantra we can guess that from the remote past employment of ambassador was a prevalent custom. Employment of the ambassadors are referred to in the Udyogaparvan and Śāntiparvan of the Mahābhārata. Qualities and activities of the ambassadors are found in detail in the books like Manusaṃhitā, the Nītisūtra of Kāmandaka, the Arthaśāstra of Kauṭilya. From these portions we can get a clear conception of employment of ambassadors in ancient India.
In ancient India ambassadors were considered as the forepart of the kings.—
A king hears the message of another king through an ambassador and in the same way he sends his message to other kings.
A dumb man can not speak. Like that any work of a king can not be performed without messenger. According to Mallinātha.
‘anyathā mūkasyeva bāgavyavahārasiddhau tat sādhyā sādhyakāryamaprativandhaḥ syāt iti bhāvaḥ |’[2]
The enmity and friendship in a kingdom depend on the activities of a messenger. So it is said—
‘dutesandhi viparyayau’(7.65)[3].
If there was no disturbance regarding peace, harmony and security of the activities of a messenger, there is every possibility of the development of his own kingdom. On the other hand if the messenger fails then the peace, harmony and security are severely affected. There is every chance of conflict with the enemy king. So, in the administration of a king a messenger is indispensable. So, need of the employment of ambassador is vital.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
R.P. Kangle, (Ed. & trans.): The Kauṭīlya Arthaśāstra, part-I, p. 21
[2]:
Haridas Śiddhantavagisha, (Ed. & trans.): Śiśupālavadha, (Mallināth’s Sarvaṃakaṣā C ommentary), p. 86.
[3]:
Manabendu Bandyopadhaya, (Ed. & Beng. trans.): Manusaṃhitā, p. 661.