The Indian Hindu epic, the "Mahabharata", offers the first written discussions of a "just war" ("dharma-yuddha" or "righteous war"). In it, one of five ruling brothers ("Pandavas") asks if the suffering caused by war can ever be justified. A long discussion then ensues between the siblings, establishing criteria like "proportionality" (chariots cannot attack cavalry, only other chariots; no attacking people in distress), "just means" (no poisoned or barbed arrows), "just cause" (no attacking out of rage), and fair treatment of captives and the wounded.