Condensed Rules -- From DeepSeek

1. Declaration of War
   • Formal Declaration: Wars were not to be initiated without a formal declaration. Ambushes or surprise attacks were considered dishonorable unless explicitly justified by the context (e.g., defending against an imminent threat).
   • Just Cause: Wars were expected to have a righteous cause, such as defending one's kingdom, protecting dharma, or avenging a grave injustice. Wars fought for greed or conquest without justification were condemned.
2. Protection of Non-Combatants
   • Civilians: Non-combatants, including women, children, the elderly, and farmers, were to be spared. Harming civilians or destroying their livelihoods was considered a grave violation of dharma.
   • Brahmins and Priests: Religious figures, scholars, and priests were to be protected, as they were seen as upholders of dharma and spiritual knowledge.
   • Animals and Livestock: Unnecessary harm to animals, especially cows (considered sacred), was prohibited.
3. Fair Combat
   • Equal Opponents: Warriors were expected to fight opponents of equal strength, skill, and weaponry. Attacking a weaker or unarmed opponent was considered dishonorable.
   • Weapon Restrictions: The use of certain weapons, such as poisoned arrows or concealed blades, was frowned upon unless explicitly allowed by the rules of the specific conflict.
   • No Striking Below the Belt: Attacks aimed at vulnerable or dishonorable areas (e.g., below the waist) were prohibited.
4. Respect for the Enemy
   • Surrender and Mercy: An enemy who surrendered or laid down their arms was to be spared. Killing a surrendering opponent was a violation of dharma.
   • Prisoners of War: Captured enemies were to be treated humanely and not subjected to unnecessary cruelty or humiliation.
   • Fallen Warriors: The bodies of slain enemies were to be treated with respect and, if possible, returned to their families for proper rites.
5. Time and Place of Battle
   • Daylight Battles: Battles were typically fought during daylight hours. Nighttime attacks were considered unethical unless absolutely necessary.
   • Designated Battlefields: Wars were often fought in open, designated areas to minimize collateral damage to civilians and property.
   • Sacred Ground: Temples, places of worship, and other sacred sites were to be avoided as battlegrounds.
6. Use of Divine and Supernatural Weapons
   • Restricted Use: Divine weapons (astras), such as the Brahmastra or Pashupatastra, were to be used only as a last resort and with great caution. Their misuse could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the destruction of entire regions.
   • Moral Responsibility: Warriors wielding such weapons were expected to have the moral and spiritual discipline to control their power. Using them recklessly or out of anger was considered a grave sin.
7. Role of Charioteers and Non-Combatants
   • Charioteers: Charioteers, who were often non-combatants, were not to be targeted. In the Mahabharata, Krishna, who served as Arjuna's charioteer, was not attacked despite being present on the battlefield.
   • Medics and Healers: Those tending to the wounded were to be protected and allowed to perform their duties without interference.
8. Ethical Conduct of Commanders
   • Leadership by Example: Commanders and kings were expected to lead by example, demonstrating courage, honor, and adherence to dharma. Cowardice or unethical behavior by leaders was seen as a betrayal of their duty.
   • Accountability: Leaders were held accountable for the actions of their troops. Encouraging or condoning violations of the rules of engagement was considered a moral failing.
9. Post-War Conduct
   • Restoration and Reconciliation: Victorious kings were expected to restore order, rebuild damaged areas, and reconcile with defeated enemies rather than seek vengeance.
   • Prisoner Release: Captured soldiers and leaders were often released after the war, sometimes with gifts or honors, to foster goodwill and prevent future conflicts.

Warfare in Ancient Bharat: Part 1

• site: https://www.hua.edu/warfare-in-ancient-bharat-part-1-of-2/
• It can be widely seen that war was always used as a last resort after exhausting all the measures to maintain peace, which is evident from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other such scriptures.
• The ancient Hindu society realized the importance of peace and hence followed a four-stage process to avoid war and settle disputes. These stages are:
  • Sama – peaceful negotiation
  • Dana – offering gifts appeasing the enemy
  • Bheda – veiled threat
  • Danda - Use of Force