[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [War in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1944) › c8.s1.24 # War in Ancient India c8.s1.24 War in Ancient India c8.s1.24 - **Language:** English ### [c8.s1.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1944.c8.s1.24) Thus the Commander-in-Chief, differently known as Pradhāna Senāpati, Sarvasenāpati and Mahāsenāpati, was the head of the military department of the State. His primary duty lay⁶⁴ in attending to the training and efficient organisation of the army and in enforcing discipline. Though he was invested with the status of a high minister, he was not a member of the council, if we are to rely on the authority of the \*Nitivākyāmṛta\*⁶⁵ and the \*Śukranīti\* where this officer does not figure in the list of ministers. He occupied the key position in a campaign and his success or defeat decided the fate of the engagement. Hence it is ruled that the soldier who killed a Commander-in-Chief, or captured him alive, would earn the name of a hero and would be entitled to all honours.⁶⁶ - [Previous: c8.s1.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1944.c8.s1.23) - [Next: c8.s1.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1944.c8.s1.25) - [Up: c8.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1944.c8.s1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1944.c8.s1.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1944.c8.s1.24) · Pramāṇa