Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c18.s1.1

c18.s1.1

The detailed descriptive canonical account about the building up of the forts (Fig.78) given in Kautilya's *Arthaśāstra*, as briefly given in the Appendix, is not without any basis. The Harappan fortifications (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) have within, the main roads at the principal axis intersecting at the centre, oriented to the cardinal points, with many parallel lanes. This kind of planning of the streets had resulted in numerous blocks aligned systematically in rows. Further, the northern part served as the citadel. Now, when compared with the plan of the Harappan fortifications (Fig.5), one will be amazed to see the close similarities in the essential layout of the forts in practice during the Harappan times and in theory suggested by Kautilya. Kauṭilya, being a more scholar-politician, speaks of the princip^e\^ls in general. We find further in the comparison that there is a considerable advancement in the methods of the construction and layout of forts during the time of Kautilya. The most singular and very important addition to be noted is enclosed of a fort by moats (Fig.80 and Fig. 81) alongside the wall, on the outside. Besides, provision of circular bastions in many numbers at regular intervals guarding the gateways is another noteworthy feature. These developments are obviously due to the advancement of the technology of making of and varieties of weapons.