War in Ancient India c8.s1.21

c8.s1.21

The senāpati shouldered heavy responsibilities. He was answerable to the king and his council. Victory or defeat rested with him. On the eve of the outbreak of hostilities, the Commander-in-Chief brought full satisfaction to the army by rewards and honours and encouraged them thus: ‘He who slew the enemy king would be awarded one lac of paṇas, he who slew the senāpati and kumāra, 50,000 paṇas, and he who slew other chiefs 10,000 paṇas and for slaying an elephant or chariot warrior 5,000 paṇas.’⁶² It was an additional inducement for the warriors to fight to the end.