Description of Store-forts (koshtha-durga)

[Classification of forts (6) Store-forts (koshtha-durga)]

The Koshtha-durgas or the store-forts are the eighth. and the last class of forts mentioned by Samrajya-lakshmi-pithika with its eight sabdivisions. These forts are meant for storing provisions, weapons, fodder, fire-wood and also soldiers in reserve. As such, these bear some resemblance to the 'peace-station-cantonments' of the Armed Forces of recent times. Because of the importance of such forts, equally during war and peace, these used to be very carefully constructed and vigilantly guarded. The description of Samrajya-lakshmi-pithika provides a glimpse into some such factors as mentioned above. It describes store-fort as'a citadel, surrounded by great ramparts and a fosse, in which are kept stock of materials like grass, fire-wood and water. It is fitted with hundred of fire-arms like rockets and cannons and is protected by a troop of soldiers.' (33.14-15). It is interesting to note that a fort of this type, the possession of which is considered highly beneficial for

519 kings, is not mentioned in many old and standard works like the Mahabharata, Arthasastra, Manusmrti , Ag Purana, Manasara Comparatively recent works like Sukraniti and Kamandakiva. mentions another class of forts known as the sahayadurgas which betray some similarity with the Kostha-durgas mentioned by Samrajya-lakshmi-pithika Quoting the opinion of the masters of science of enumerates eight construction, the Silpasastra, Samrajya-lakshmi-pithika subdivisions of the store-forts. These are as follows: 1. The Vedasra 2. Dirghavedasra 3. Vartula 4. Dirghavartula 6. Pancakona 7. Astasra 6. Satkona and 8. Padma sannibha. (34. 4-5). Thus, the store-house-fort may be of four, five, six or eight corners or of circular size immitating a lotus flower. A king, with the help of masons, should get for himself, a fort built of any one of the aforesaid description and reside therein. For, declares Samrajya-lakshmi-pithika that the real strength of a king lies in such types of forts, the store-house ones.26

26. tadeva nrpavarvanam prasastam balamIritam (34.4)