Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c19.s2.t2.19

v2.c19.s2.t2.19

A knowledge of military science is one of the most essential qualifications of a royal priest, as given in the Śukranīti. In this mediaeval code a royal priest has been thus defined: "One who is versed in mantras and rituals, master of the three sciences, skilful at work, conqueror of the senses, subduer of anger, devoid of greed and passions, equipped with a knowledge of six Aṅgas (Vēdāṅgas,) and of the science of Archery with all its branches, one who knows the science of moral as well as religious interests, one fearing whose anger even the king takes to virtuous ways of life, one who is well up in Nīti Śāstra, and master of military implements and tactics is the Priest."[3] In fact, Śukrāchārya does not seem to have reserved the duties and privileges of warriors only to the Kshatriyas.[4]