Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c8.s4: Medical Treatment
Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthaśāstra of Kauṭilya), Vol. I c8.s4
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Medical Treatment
c8.s4.1
As in the case of cows and horses, there were doctors employed to apply medicines to elephants suffering from diseases due to overwork, rut or old age. Their chief duties were, however, preventive in their character—taking care that the physical conditions surrounding the life of the elephants conformed strictly to the rules of hygiene and sanitation (गजशुद्धि). Failure to take the necessary steps for the health of elephants was punishable with fines. There was also inspection as regards the proper growth and harmonious development of all the parts of the body of an elephant. This was regulated according to several standards and types of its physical development.
c8.s4.2
There were also certain rules for the cutting of tusks of elephants. Elephants born in countries irrigated by rivers had speedy growth of tusks, which were cut once in two-and-a-half years; and for mountain elephants, whose tusks grew more slowly, it was done once in five years. The rule was to leave at the root a length equal to twice the circumference of the tusk measured at its base.
c8.s4.3
CEREMONIES FOR THE WELFARE OF ELEPHANTS.
c8.s4.4
Ceremonies were observed to propitiate unseen agencies for the welfare of elephants. Thus, आरति or the waving of lights was performed thrice daily in the rainy season and at the periods of conjunction of two seasons. Sacrifices to *Bhūtas* were also performed on new-moon and full-moon days, as also to सेनानी or Kârtikeya, the god of war.
c8.s4.5
We have now completed our account of the Department of Live Stock in Chandra Gupta’s Government, and have seen the comprehensive character of its scope and work touching the welfare and growth of the useful animals on which depended to a great extent both the economic prosperity and political security of the country.