Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c11.173

c11.173

The king, says Strabo, left the palace usually on four occasions, viz., to lead the army in person in time of war, to administer justice, to offer sacrifice, and lastly, to go to the chase. Hunting was a favourite pastime. The king marched out of the palace to the accompaniment of drums and gongs, and was surrounded by a host of armed women who rode "some on chariots, some on horses and some even on elephants". Spear-men were posted to protect the whole company. The king hunted in fenced enclosures, either from a platform in his chariot or from the back of an elephant¹.