War in Ancient India c8.s1.23

c8.s1.23

In the same strain Bhīṣma speaks to Yudhiṣṭhira. Gathering together the leading warriors, they should be addressed thus: ‘Those of your warriors who break the ranks of enemies or rally your retreating soldiers should have their pay doubled and should be honoured by you with food, drink, and seats equal to your own. The head of ten soldiers amongst them should be made the head of a hundred. And the careful hero who is the head of a hundred soldiers should be made the head of a thousand. Let us swear to conquer and never leave one another.’ 63 In other words, ‘Conquer or die, and conquer we must’ was the slogan. The prospect of promotion and honours was a great inducement for the sacrifice on the part of the patriotic and brave soldier.