War in Ancient India c7.t1.13

c7.t1.13

The traditional fourfold force was not a static division. Later on the army was regarded as a sixfold force, *mantra* or the force of counsel and *kośa* or the power of the treasury being added to the original four divisions.⁸ The addition to the army of these two divisions was probably due to the early recognition by Hindu statesmen of the importance of a good treasury and expert counsel in military matters. The consultation was, of course, advisory. But the King would not take a line of his own independently of his Council. In cases of difference of opinion he had to convert the Council to his view and then act. This is clear from the Council held by Rāvaṇa on the eve of the War of Laṅkā,⁹ and from the proceedings of the meetings held by Rāma to entertain Vibhīṣaṇa as an ally.¹⁰