The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c14.166

c14.166

Kauṭalya does not fail to provide a thorough system of military defence. Sthânīya, droṇamukha, khâravâṭika and sangrahaṇa fortresses should be set up in the centres of eight hundred, four hundred, two hundred and ten villages respectively. The frontiers should be protected by forts manned by boundary guards.³ The army comprises regular nationals, mercenaries, recruits from wild tribes, warriors' corporations, immigrants from friendly tracts or deserters from hostile territory. The chief army corps were to be split into divisions and sub-divisions with different flags, trumpets, drums and conch-shells.⁴ Kauṭalya provides physicians and surgeons for the battlefield.⁵