Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
by S. Anusha | 2016 | 34,012 words
This page relates ‘Sarga VII: Sainyayoga-kathana (64 Verses)’ of the study on the Nitiprakasika by Vaisampayana which deals primarily with with Dhanurveda, i.e., the science of war, weapons and military strategies of ancient Indian society. It further contains details on Niti-shastra, i.e., the science of politics and state administration but most verses of the Nitiprakashika deal with the classification and description of different varieties of weapons, based on the four groups of Mukta, Amukta, Muktamukta and Mantramukta.
Sarga VII: Sainyayoga-kathana (64 Verses)
verses 1-31: Army divisions:
The seventh chapter enumerates the army divisions. It speaks on all the army divisions starting from the basic unit of Patti which grows in size gradually to become Senāmukha, Gulma, Gaṇa, Vāhini, Pṛtana, Camū, Anīkini and finally, the all encompassing Akṣauhini.
Tattvavivṛti on verses 8:
Gives precise definition of the patti and presents the count of the constituents of the army units lead by a commander.
verses 32-43:
Details of monthly salaries of the officials are given.
Tattvavivṛti on verses 33:
It defines yuvarāja as putro bhrātātha dauhitro rājñā yo rājyacintakaḥ and justifies the higher sum he receives as salary by quoting the smṛtivacana.
verses 44-59: War ethics & advice for victory:
Ethical practices to be adopted during war are outlined. The various persons with whom no one should fight is enlisted. Certain types of attacks are prohibited. General advice as to how troops are lead for combating the enemy is also given.
verses 60-4: War crimes & punishment:
The king should not hesitate to punish those who are not sincere to one‘s king, who disobey royal orders or migrate to the enemy‘s side for personal gains. But, despite gravity of offence, a messenger should not be killed. The chapter ends on a note that a dharmic king who duly punishes offenders and releases the innocent earns the fruit of a hundred sacrifices.