War in Ancient India c6.40

c6.40

Arrian²⁹ speaks of one mode of equipping the Indian soldiers for war. The foot-soldiers invariably carried bows. Resting these on the ground and pressing them with the left foot, the soldier discharged the arrow. The shaft in use was about three yards in length. ‘There is nothing which can resist an Indian archer’s shot, neither shield nor breast-plate nor any stronger defence if such there be. On the left hand they carry bucklers of undressed hide. Some wear javelins in the place of bows, but all of them wear a sword with a broad blade about three cubits long. This they use only in close fight.’