War in Ancient India c9.s3.28

c9.s3.28

The conception of fortresses in medieval India was not very different from that in ancient India. It would be interesting to study here how the Mānasāraśilpaśāstra, an important work on Indian architecture,⁵⁴ defines the Padmaka type of a fortress city having eight, twelve or sixteen gates and the whole surrounded by a huge wall and a moat. It is said that suitable sites for a fort are those where water can be got in all seasons and hence either near a sea-shore, or by the river-side or in a forest-plain. The gateways are to have huge double-doors, securely fastened by strong bolts. Above them are to be placed firing guns and other destructive war-machines with soldiers stationed near them.