The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c10.s2.30

v1.c10.s2.30

A few words are necessary about the military forces of the Rāṣṭrakūṭas. The emperors cherished constant ambitions to extend their territories and were always trying to translate these into action; thus the Rāṣṭrakūṭa military machine was both powerful and efficient. The administration maintained a large army, a considerable portion of which was concentrated at the capital. There used to be also an army of the south, usually under the Banavasi viceroy, and an army of the north, probably commanded by a prince of the blood royal. These standing armies were kept up for the protection of the empire from external enemies; they used also to carry out aggressive expeditions when these had been decided upon by the central government. The army was famous for its infantry divisions, though cavalry played an important part. Some battalions consisted of men from military castes, the soldiers of which followed their profession as a matter of heredity; these usually enjoyed the reputation of crack divisions. Some battalions were supplied by feudatories and provincial governors. These used to be summoned when any important military venture had to be undertaken. Troops of the military castes received professional training in their villages before they joined the colours; others were trained and led by adventurous mercenaries or *condottieri*, who were paid directly by the government for their work in this connexion. The commissariat was organized with the help and cooperation of wealthy merchants. The army consisted of persons from all castes; even Brāhmaṇas and Jains were represented in it. It is rather surprising to find that many of the famous Rāṣṭrakūṭa generals like Baṅkeya, Śrīvijaya, Nārasimha, &c., were Jains by religious persuasion. They probably felt that the doctrine of *Ahiṃsā* in its extreme form was intended in practice for recluses and not for ordinary laymen.