War in Ancient India c5.s1.48

c5.s1.48

Details as regards the coronation, and the daily duties of the king, his mode of life, the harem, etc., need not detain us here. But our survey would not be complete if we do not say a word about the method of the disposal of kings and soldiers slain in battle. After the battle was over, and when news reached that their kinsmen had fallen dead fighting heroically in the field, the relatives including women went forth to the battlefield to bewail their loss. If it was a royal death, the royal household went to the scene of action accompanied by the merchants, artisans, agriculturists, and the common folk to pay their last respects to the departed hero. Songs of praise were sung recounting his heroic exploits.⁴⁰ Then followed the cremation.