War in Ancient India c7.s1.t4.33

c7.s1.t4.33

The services of elephants in ancient wars were great. They marched in front of the army clearing the way of trees and shrubs. They protected the flanks of the army, helped the army to ford rivers, presented a firm front in fight, broke down the enemy phalanx, routed the enemy's army, rallied the soldiers of their side, and safeguarded the treasure.⁶² Generally the elephants formed the best decorations of a royal camp, and a monarch could achieve any amount of military success by means of his elephants alone.⁶³ On account of their importance in battle, only animals possessing distinct characteristics are recommended to kings for their stud. Some of these are said to be of the colour resembling a rainy cloud; some had a fund of physical strength, good height, attainment of speed with little or no use of the goad, a commanding appearance, combative propensity, and a power of enduring any amount of fatigue. It was only such noble animals that were kept in the royal stable chiefly for purposes of war. The elephant science, which went by the name of gajaśikṣa or hasti śāstra, was a special branch of study and formed ‘ an important part of military discipline.’⁶⁴