Book contents
- Asia-Pacific Perspectives on International Humanitarian Law
- Asia-Pacific Perspectives on International Humanitarian Law
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures and Tables
- Contributors
- Foreword
- Foreword
- Acknowledgements
- Editors’ Note
- 1 Introduction: Asia-Pacific Perspectives on International Humanitarian Law
- Part I Interviews
- Part II Development of International Humanitarian Law
- 6 The Origins and Evolution of Humanitarian Action in Southeast Asia
- 7 Humanitarianism in Chinese Traditional Military Ethics and International Humanitarian Law Training in the People’s Liberation Army
- 8 Military Practices in Ancient India
- 9 Asia-Pacific States and the Development of International Humanitarian Law
- 10 International Humanitarian Law and the Asia-Pacific Struggles for National Liberation
- 11 The Vietnam War and the Development of International Humanitarian Law
- 12 Critical Issues in the Regulation of Armed Conflict in Outer Space
- Part III Practice and Application of International Humanitarian Law
- Part IV Implementation and Enforcement of International Humanitarian Law
- Part V Looking to the Future and Enhancing Compliance with International Humanitarian Law
- Glossary of Publications
- Alphabetical Glossary of Cases and Decisions
- Chronological Glossary of Cases and Decisions
- Treaties and Other International Instruments, Resolutions and National Documents with an International Dimension
- Chronological Glossary of National Legislation and Secondary Instruments
- Peace Agreements and Communiques
- Abbreviations and Translations
- Index
8 - Military Practices in Ancient India
from Part II - Development of International Humanitarian Law
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 October 2019
- Asia-Pacific Perspectives on International Humanitarian Law
- Asia-Pacific Perspectives on International Humanitarian Law
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures and Tables
- Contributors
- Foreword
- Foreword
- Acknowledgements
- Editors’ Note
- 1 Introduction: Asia-Pacific Perspectives on International Humanitarian Law
- Part I Interviews
- Part II Development of International Humanitarian Law
- 6 The Origins and Evolution of Humanitarian Action in Southeast Asia
- 7 Humanitarianism in Chinese Traditional Military Ethics and International Humanitarian Law Training in the People’s Liberation Army
- 8 Military Practices in Ancient India
- 9 Asia-Pacific States and the Development of International Humanitarian Law
- 10 International Humanitarian Law and the Asia-Pacific Struggles for National Liberation
- 11 The Vietnam War and the Development of International Humanitarian Law
- 12 Critical Issues in the Regulation of Armed Conflict in Outer Space
- Part III Practice and Application of International Humanitarian Law
- Part IV Implementation and Enforcement of International Humanitarian Law
- Part V Looking to the Future and Enhancing Compliance with International Humanitarian Law
- Glossary of Publications
- Alphabetical Glossary of Cases and Decisions
- Chronological Glossary of Cases and Decisions
- Treaties and Other International Instruments, Resolutions and National Documents with an International Dimension
- Chronological Glossary of National Legislation and Secondary Instruments
- Peace Agreements and Communiques
- Abbreviations and Translations
- Index
Summary
The history of ancient India is full of instances which demonstrate that military practices were well-regulated. The Varna system of the ancient Hindus implied the fourfold division of society into Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras. The Brahmans formed the group of philosophers and teachers, the Kshatriyas the group of rulers and warriors, the Vaisyas the group of agriculturists and traders, and the Sudras the group of men engaged in different menial services. The idea gained ground that to follow one’s own Dharma and to sacrifice one’s own life, if need be, in the following of that Dharma, was the highest duty expected of every citizen, to whatever caste he belonged.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Asia-Pacific Perspectives on International Humanitarian Law , pp. 107 - 117Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2019