On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v1.c8.s9: The Army
On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v1.c8.s9
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The Army
v1.c8.s9.1
We have next a short notice of the army of India beginning with its head, the Sovereign. Of the latter Yuan-chuang states according to Julien's rendering—"La série des rois ne se compose que de Kchattriyas, *qui*, dans l'origine, *se sont élevés au pouvoir par l'usurpation du trône et le meurtre du souverain*. *Quoiqu'ils sont issus de familles étrangères*, leur nom est prononcé avec respect". The italics are mine and they indicate interpolations, unnecessary and unwarranted, made by the translator, who seems to have forgotten the passage he had just translated. What our author states is to this effect—
v1.c8.s9.2
The sovereignty for many successive generations has been exercised only by Kshatriyas: rebellion and regicide have occasionally arisen, other castes assuming the distinction that is, calling themselves kings. The sovereign *de jure* Yuan-chuang thought, was always of the Kshatriya caste, and it was that caste alone which could lawfully produce a king, but there were instances of men of other castes, Śūdras for example, raising themselves to the throne.
v1.c8.s9.3
¹ Manu IX, 88.
v1.c8.s9.4
² Alberuni, *ch.* IX.
v1.c8.s9.5
Our author proceeds.
v1.c8.s9.6
The National Guard (lit. warriors) are heroes of choice valour, and, as the profession is hereditary, they become adepts in military tactics. In peace they guard the sovereign's residence, and in war they become the intrepid vanguard.
v1.c8.s9.7
The army is composed of Foot, Horse, Chariot, and Elephant soldiers. The war-elephant is covered with coat-of-mail, and his tusks are provided with sharp barbs. On him rides the Commander-in-chief, who has a soldier on each side to manage the elephant. The chariot in which an officer sits is drawn by four horses, whilst infantry guard it on both sides. The infantry go lightly into action and are choice men of valour; they bear a large shield and carry a long spear; some are armed with a sword or sabre and dash to the front of the advancing line of battle. They are perfect experts with all the implements of war such as spear, shield, bow and arrow, sword, sabre &c. having been drilled in them for generations.¹
v1.c8.s9.8
¹ For 'They are perfect experts with all the implements of war' the original is 凡諸戎器莫不鋒銳, and Julien translates "Toutes leurs armes de guerre sont piquantes ou tranchantes". But this is manifestly wrong and a little reflection should have shewn Julien that shields and slings, two of the armes de guerre, are not piquantes or tranchantes. On p. 77 of this volume of the Mémoires Julien translates fêng-jui by "la superiorité".
Linked texts (2)
- Mānava Dharmaśāstra — Manu & Bhṛgu, Sanskrit
- تحقيق ما للهند من مقولة مقبولة في العقل أو مرذولة — Arabic