War in Ancient India c7.s1.t4.57

c7.s1.t4.57

Megasthenes⁷⁷ corroborates the evidence of the Arthaśāstra. There was a special department in the State for the cavalry. The horses of the State were provided with stables and placed under the care of good grooms and syces. There were several trained horsemen who could jump forward and arrest the speed of galloping horses. But the majority of them rode their horses with bit and bridle. When horses became ungovernable they were placed in the hands of professional trainers who made the animals gallop round in small circles. These professionals were experts in the management and control of horses. In selecting horses of war, their age, strength, and size were taken into account.⁷⁸ We may remark in passing that Abhimanyu's horses were only three years old.⁷⁹