The Mauryan Polity c9.s5.4

c9.s5.4

Among the chief army officers the commander-in-chief played a significant role. He who was skilled in every kind of tactical and strategical mode of warfare and in handling weapons of war, and who could decide easily action or inaction in the circumstances of the situation, was qualified to be a commander. The following were among his other duties. He was to select the field of battle and camping grounds. He was to reinforce the strength of his army and take advantage of the time and the place for march, for engagement and for retreat. He was to maintain discipline of the host. He should employ such means as to create a dissension in the ranks of the enemy.¹ He was a permanent officer of the imperial government drawing a liberal salary of 48,000 paṇas.