[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Buddhist Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha) › [Taishō Tripiṭaka (Chinese Buddhist canon)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho) › [大唐西域記](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087) › 2.17 # 大唐西域記 2.17 大唐西域記 2.17 - **Language:** Classical Chinese ### [2.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.17) 君王奕世，唯剎帝利。篡弑時起，異姓稱尊。國之戰士，驍雄畢選，子父傳業，遂窮兵術。居則宮廬周衛，征則奮旅前鋒。凡有四兵：步、馬、車、象。象則被以堅甲，牙施利距，一將安乘，授其節度，兩卒左右，為之駕馭。車乃駕以駟馬，兵帥居其乘，列卒周衛，扶輪挾轂。馬軍散禦，逐北奔命。步軍輕捍，敢勇充選，負大樐，執長戟，或持刀劍，前奮行陣。凡諸戎器，莫不鋒銳，所謂矛、楯、弓、矢、刀、劍、鉞、斧、戈、殳、長矟、輪索之屬，皆世習矣。 > The succession of kings is confined to the Kshattriya (T'sa-li) caste, who by usurpation and bloodshed have from time to time raised themselves to power. Although a distinct caste, they are regarded as honourable (or lords). The chief soldiers of the country are selected from the bravest of the people, and as the sons follow the profession of their fathers, they soon acquire a knowledge of the art of war. These dwell in garrison around the palace (during peace), but when on an expedition they march in front as an advanced guard. There are four divisions of the army, viz. — (1) the infantry, (2) the cavalry, (3) the chariots, (4) the elephants. The elephants are covered with strong armour, and their tusks are provided with sharp spurs. A leader in a car gives the command, whilst two attendants on the right and left drive his chariot, which is drawn by four horses abreast. The general of the soldiers remains in his chariot; he is surrounded by a file of guards, who keep close to his chariot wheels. > The cavalry spread themselves in front to resist an attack, and in case of defeat they carry orders hither and thither. The infantry by their quick movements contribute to the defence. These men are chosen for their courage and strength. They carry a long spear and a great shield; sometimes they hold a sword or sabre, and advance to the front with impetuosity. All their weapons of war are sharp and pointed. Some of them are these—spears, shields, bows, arrows, swords, sabres, battle-axes, lances, halberds, long javelins, and various kinds of slings. All these they have used for ages. > — Samuel Beal 1884, Si-yu-ki: Buddhist Records of the Western World - [Previous: 2.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.16) - [Next: 2.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.18) - [Up: 2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2) ## Translations (1) - [Si-yu-ki: Buddhist Records of the Western World](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087~en-beal.2.12) — Samuel Beal 1884, English --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.17) · Pramāṇa