Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c16.7

c16.7

The Greek writers describe the Kathaians as one of the most powerful 'nations' of India. They were to the east of the Hydraotes or Ravi, in the area now covered by the districts of Lahore and Amritsar. Their capital was Sāṅkala. *"The Kathaians themselves enjoyed the highest reputation for courage and skill in the art of war."*¹ They along with some other republican Indians had shortly before their battle with Alexander defeated both King Poros and the King of the Abhisāras. The Kathaians are described to have formed what in Hindu tactics is called a 'śakaṭa-vyūha' or the 'waggon-formation' against Alexander, which presented a great difficulty to his soldiers. They fought very bravely and did not submit, although they were tremendously outnumbered.∗ Their men and women married by choice, and their women observed the practice of *Satī*. According to Strabo, amongst them *"the handsomest man is chosen as king."*†