Instructions for the King

[Note: Cf. Śukranīti IV. 7. 175-184]

Nītiprakāśikā offers directives that are tailor-made for the ruler for conducting the war, both on and off the battlefield. It stresses the worth of a clever ruler who shall stay alert during troubled times and galvanise his forces when their morale sinks during such times. In a nutshell, these instructions are summarized below.

(a) Firstly, when war is declared, the fortifications, that which can be reached in a day by a horse, have to be strengthened with ramparts, moats, garrisoned with archers, equipped with food and weapon reserves. It should also have artisans to attend to various tasks (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 29-30).

(b) Then, the ruler should ensure that sincere and capable officials are to be entrusted with the custody of harem, safety of the public and treasury. Only then, should he leave the capital (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 31).

(c) The ideal time for such march is the month of mārgaśīrṣa when the weather is pleasant. Till caitra the weather continues to be favourable which gives enough time to gain victory.

(d) Before starting out with the march, the king should ensure that craftsmen are engaged in ensuring safe route for the army march. Those acquainted with forest-regions and the spies have to carefully identify enemies who may be hiding along the march route. The essential items for the march should be kept ready for use (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 34-5, 51-4).

(e) When the march starts, the king has to position his guards at the appropriate places and direct his muṇḍānīka to stay prepared, at a distance of two hundred dhanus. While on march, the holy and unholy places are to be avoided (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 32-3, 36-7).

(f) The camp-site that is pleasant and with favourable conditions like plenty of water supply has to be chosen (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 38).

(g) Roaming around of free individuals has to be monitored. The king is advised to undertake personal visits along with his personal guards in the encampments. He should check the tents of his allied kings and also send forces to ward off enemy hindrances.(Nītiprakāśikā VI. 39-40).

(h) Robust espionage system has to be in place. Army’s encampments should be spread out in different spots. Medics and craftsmen should be available for service (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 41-3).

(i) The soldiers requirements should be taken care of by the king. They should be provided with clothes and accessories. In the battlefield, when vehicle or weapon is lost or damaged for the soldier it has to be replaced free of cost by the king (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 44,105).

(j) For the sake of his own protection, the king should place before him his attendants and guards along with bards and others (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 26-7).

(k) King has to be personally present at the centre of the army to invigorate his armed forces. He should constantly appraise and accordingly organize them (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 15).

(l) A set of armour-clad, fine grade of cavalry and chariot warriors should be parked to attend to the beck and call of the ruler (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 28).

(m) He should devise suitable battle-arrays considering his as well as the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses. Wisdom dictates the distribution of the warriors in these arrays (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 2, 11-23).

(n) For security reasons, the local distribution of the army has to be changed on a daily basis. This aids vigilance of the troops as well as their loyalty towards their ruler (Nītiprakāśikā VI..83).

(o) The king should ensure that the enemy forces are subject to disruption and confusion by the efforts of one’s soldiers. He should reward soldiers who sow seeds of dissension among enemy ranks. Warriors who scale enemy forts and help in extending one’s boundaries should also be rewarded suitably (Nītiprakāśikā VI. 110).