War in Ancient India c4.s6.t5.28

c4.s6.t5.28

This fear was reciprocal. A subject nation, for example, entertains fears of being swallowed by the imperial power some day or other. On the other hand, the imperial power would closely watch the movements of this subject kingdom, lest it should slowly mobilise its forces in secret and raise the standard of revolt having always an eye to the proper time and place. For instance, Kalinga, a subject country under Candragupta and his son, rebelled when Aśoka came to the throne. Aśoka had to invade this kingdom and reconquer it at the expense of many lives including the innocents. Thus the subject kingdom which was actuated by the motive of getting rid of the yoke of imperial power, was keen on its defence. Instances of this type may be multiplied.