State and Government in Ancient India c15.77

c15.77

The War-minister was the next important member of the ministry. The title *sachiva*, given to him in the *Śukranīti*, was, however, not the usual designation by which he was known. He was known as *senāpati* under the Mauryas and the Marathas. *Māhābalādhikṛita* under the Guptas,⁶ *Kampana* in Kahmir,⁷ and *Mahāprachaṇḍadaṇḍanāyaka* under the Yādavas. The *Nītivākyāmṛita* is opposed to the inclusion of the commander-in-chief in the ministry,⁸ but it seems that the normal practice was to include him in that body. The war minister was to be an expert in the theory and practice of war and well versed in the art of organisation. It was his duty to see that all forts were properly garrisoned and all the branches of the army were properly equipped and were kept at their highest efficiency.⁹