War in Ancient India c9.s1.t1.9

c9.s1.t1.9

If, during the course of the march (daṇḍamārga, as it was known in later Vijayanagar),¹¹ rivers and canals were to be crossed, this was ordinarily done with the help of elephants which, being heavy animals, would withstand the current. Or they were forded over by boats and canoes. Or again wooden and other bridges were thrown over with the aid of skilled engineers. But if in fording the enemy placed obstruction by throwing missiles from the other side, the invader should withdraw from the place and seek another favourable fording point to cross without the enemy’s knowledge. Yet another regulation was that the army must not be made to feel fatigue or irksomeness during the journey. Above all, attention was drawn to the base of operations, for much of the success depended on maintaining communication with it. A river or mountain fortress was regarded as the best base.¹²