War in Ancient India c8.s2.2

c8.s2.2

Besides the various military officials there were other officers and servants who were non-combatants but were attached to the War Office of the army on the march, especially the department of transport and co-ordinate supply. There was first the Purohita⁸³ who went with the king to the field of battle accompanied by astrologers and soothsayers. Most of these were experts in Atharvan lore and consequently in reading bird-omens and other impending portents. In order to prevent misfortune, propitiatory ceremonies were gone through. The Purohita encouraged the soldiers on the eve of the battle and inspired them with new spirit and enthusiasm.⁸⁴ The Saciva was a non-combatant officer who went to the field of action with the king. Physicians, surgeons, carpenters, and other artisans came under this category of non-combatant officials. There was the Mahānasa, the head-cook in charge of rations and food supply. There were war musicians with their drums and gongs to encourage the troops to fight with greater vigour and energy. Yet another official was the Praśāsta,⁸⁵ in charge of sappers, miners and engineers (Vardhaki and Viṣṭi) who marched in advance, repairing roads and digging wells wherever necessary. He was also engaged in raising or pulling down fortifications and in erecting camps.