Hindu Administrative Institutions c11.s6.24

c11.s6.24

On the subject of the choice of the battle-field the *Mahābhārata* gives it as the approved and accepted opinion of the military authorities that the region should not be miry or watery. The ground must be even and without stones and gravel, and it would be advantageous if it lay nearer the woods.¹ Again the regions containing trees and bushes are recommended as suitable for the operations of elephant corps and the infantry men. It is clear that belligerents did not choose the site for a battle indiscriminately, and the commander-in-chief had always an eye to its strategic importance. In the words of Kauṭalya it must be favourable to the invading monarch and unfavourable to the enemy. The ground was selected in such a manner as might be conducive to the success of the operations of the particular branch of the army that was to be employed thereon.²