The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s5.82

c2.s5.82

The position of the commander depends on the array. He has not a fixed position, as has been asserted (on Puranic authority). Generally he fights in the van; but he may be more needed rearwards, as in an early battle-account before the great war, where the leader says: ‘and I of all the army will stand and guard the rear’ (iv. 52. 22 ff.). Or, again, the commander goes ahead, fighting, but is soon left behind by one of the knights.*