War in Ancient India c8.s1.t1.6

c8.s1.t1.6

It we analyse the mass of Gupta inscriptions we notice different grades of military officers. These are Senāpati, Mahāsenāpati, Balādhyakṣa or Balādhikṛta, and Mahābalādhyakṣa or Mahābalādhikṛta. It is difficult to assign any graded rank to these four offices. From the commentary of Kullūkabhaṭṭa on Manu⁸⁰ it can be gathered that a Balādhyakṣa was the controlling officer of ten senāpatis. Besides, there were the commandants of infantry and cavalry (Bhaṭasvapati) and of elephants (Katuka).⁸¹ We have already noticed the Camūpa and Raṇabhāṇḍāgārādhikaraṇa. Another officer belonging to the War Office was Sandhivigraha or Mahasandhivigraha. The latter is equated with Dūtaka. But until more satisfactory evidence is found, this equation will remain tentative and cannot be accepted as conclusive. But it is more reasonable to look for the identification of Sandhivigraha with the ancient officer of Saciva answering to our modern Foreign Secretary. The literal meaning of the term connotes that he was the Minister of Peace and War. Apparently Mahāsandhivigraha was the President of the War Office.