The Mauryan Polity c13.s12.150

c13.s12.150

Corresponding to these are the chiefs of elephants, horses, chariots, and of infantry as well as the superintendents of infantry, of cavalry, of chariots, and of elephants.¹ The chariot-driver, the trainer of horses, and those who train other animals are also mentioned among the government servants.² In exact parallel to Megasthenes' statements are mentioned in the *Arthaśāstra* the stables of horses and of elephants with fuller details.³ There is also the mention of a separate arsenal department where arms and armour were manufactured, and from where soldiers were supplied with arms on the eve of an impending expedition. Thus there is coincidence of institutions of vital importance. Whether elephants had bridles, or horses were led by a halter are insignificant details which are not worth comparison. It is no argument of Prof. Jolly to say that this correspondence possesses no chronological value as these practices were prevalent at all times in India.⁴ We are not aware of texts more ancient than the *Arthaśāstra* which contain any details of regulations of stables for different animals, their architecture, foodstuffs, medicine for the animals, etc.