War in Ancient India c7.s1.t4.10

c7.s1.t4.10

The *Arthaśāstra*⁴⁸ mentions a special officer of the State for the care of elephants, and lays down his duties and other particulars connected with that office. Later works like that of Pālakāpya refer to a Gajāmātya, while the *Viṣṇudharmottara* speaks of him as Gajādhyakṣa, both denoting the same official. He should be versed in the different sounds of the animal. He must also be pure and skilled in accounts. A good trainer of elephants, he must be able to distinguish different classes of the animal and capable of enduring trouble, self-controlled, experienced, an interpreter of signs and omens and one who can attend to the ills of an elephant—such a man may be appointed as its rider.⁴⁹ According to Kauṭalya the officer was to protect elephants and the elephant-forests. He was to regulate the quantity of rations and grass to be supplied to elephants, supervise their stables and accoutrements, and watch the work of the grooms and mahouts. He was to see that the sick and wounded elephants were treated by the veterinary surgeon specially appointed for the purpose. He was also to disburse the wages and salaries of those who were employed in the elephant stables. He was to see that the animals were washed both morning and evening and fed immediately after their wash. They were to be watered in the afternoon after their daily exercise which was in the forenoon. The remaining portion of the day was the time for rest. The animals caught were arranged in three classes.⁵⁰ The Arthaśāstra gives directions for the construction of stables and also particulars for feeding the elephants. The intelligence of the animals was to be gauged by their appearance and external marks.