The Mauryan Polity c9.s3.1

c9.s3.1

Though wars were fought on a large scale in Ancient India, still they were resorted to only as the last means. When once war was declared, the warrior was expected to fight to the finish. All glory was to the soldier who died in the field of battle. Appeal was so made by the Purohita to the soldiers as to stimulate their heroic spirit. It is said that the valourous soldiers who give up their lives in righteous warfare reach the worlds of heaven much more quickly than the Brahmans who wish to attain heaven through performance of sacrifices and austerities.³ The idea is that once in the field, the soldier must not desert it or even retreat.