Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)

by S. Anusha | 2016 | 34,012 words

This page relates ‘Instructions for Troops’ 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.

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Instructions for Troops

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All that had been already discussed as training of troops under pre-war strategy can be considered as instruction for troops.

However, the salient features are enumerated here:

1. The troops with elephants lead the march; make way into forts; make new roads and clear existing ones; carry treasure and destroy enemy’s army^[1].

2. The soldiers on chariots block hostile infantry and cavalry; they second the elephants, which lead the army; they provide cover for the pachyderms, fill possible gaps to ward off enemy^[2].

3. The cavalry should have knowledge of woods, country and roads; protects troops of allies and check the length and breadth of the country^[3].

4. The infantry should clear all impediments when in a march; protect granaries, arsenals, treasuries and make entrenchments for army^[4].

5. The warriors of all four divisions should excel in handling all weapons and be equipped for fighting in different terrains and situations. They should fight fluently from back of horse or elephant and from chariot and even on foot^[5].