In today's world, we are constantly surrounded by conflicts, some of them being armed. We also have heard about the old ways of being in a battle, where there was a gentlemanly conduct (at least in some cultures).
But what did it mean to be in a fair fight? And importantly, do we have something to learn from the principles mentioned in the following sutra? Baudhayana's Dharmasutra covers all the aspects of life, personal and professional. But the Dharmasutras of the yore really hit home with some of the principles laid out, for a cultured conduct, even in times of war.
In the following sutra, Baudhayana lays out the rules for a king. How is the war to be fought? Who is supposed to be kept out of the fight? And what can be used a weapons? Remember, these principles hold true even to this day, where we see, unbearable scenes unfold in front of our eyes. Armies using extreme force on citizens in conflict zones, as well as dangerous weapons in their quest for victory.
The king is expected to face the battle and not retreat or leave his army. But the ruler is advised to stay away from wielding weapons with barbed contours or those laced with poison. Read on and one will realize how this holds true in the present world of ours. Armies are expected to steer clear of attacking private citizens, as is mentioned. But there are also those who need to be spared of a fight.
An intoxicated person is unfit to fight, as well as someone who is fearful on the battlefield. And then there are those who are mentally unstable and those who have been disarmed. These are not to be drawn into a fight.
Following this, Baudhayana adds women, children, elderly folks as well as the intellectual class as the section of the society who are supposed to be attacked. But all rules also carry some caveats. In this case, all those mentioned earlier will not be attacked, only when they themselves don't become a danger. Should someone hurl themselves, then of course, engagement becomes inevitable, with consequences on personal safety.
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