War in Ancient India c8.s1.34

c8.s1.34

Saciva: A noted member of the War Office was the Saciva. A number of Sacivas formed the War Council of a Commander-in-Chief. Reference has already been made to the Sacivas of Prahasta in the Rāmāyaṇa.⁷⁰ Besides tendering advice on the movements and operations of their army, they accompanied him to the battle-field and seconded his actions, just like the Purohita seconding the efforts of the king. In the fight of Lalitā with the Asura Bhaṇḍa, her army was composed of women who went by the name of Śaktis. Lalitā had two important officers, Śridaṇḍanāthā, the chief Commander, and Śrimantrināthā or simply Mantriṇī. The latter analysed the situation of the army as well as that of the enemy then and there, and reported to her chief, Lalitā. She also advised her as to the course of action to be taken. Lalitā invariably followed her advice, which was given in consultation with the Daṇḍanāthā. The Mantriṇī even took part in the actual operations of the war.⁷¹